In the run up to COP26, the S2 Science class in Whalsay school have been studying Climate Change and the impact humans are having on the planet.

The class wanted to raise awareness of the problem so they made up a lesson using a series of powerpoints they had produced.  On Friday 5 November they presented these powerpoints to over 90 pupils from Primary 4 to Secondary 3 in an online assembly held via teams.

The lesson started with an introduction to the problem of Climate Change and COP26.  It then moved on to the local problem of littering with information and suggestions offered on how this could improve.  The next group featured ethical consumerism – highlighting the issue of Palm Oil and ethical fashion. The lesson ended with some good news stories, showing how much is already being done both locally, nationally and worldwide, and how things can improve with the correct attitude, determination and commitment.

The S2 class then set everybody a task. They were asked to think about what they had learned, discuss this with their teacher and  come up with individual pledges to help reduce their own impact on the planet.  Each pupil was asked to make a pledge and write it on a paper leaf they had been given.  Once each pupil and teacher had made their pledge they decorated their leaf.

In Art the S2 class had created a tree out of recycled materials.  Once everybody’s leaf was collected they were placed on the tree.  This “Tree of Pledges” is now on display in the canteen of the school for all to see.

The S2 class were very impressed with the pledges made.  These mainly focused on ways folk could reduce their use of plastic and avoid plastic packaging.  There were others who pledged to stop ordering so much online, buy local produce and even to stop buying  new clothes altogether.

S2 pupils said they had enjoyed learning about Climate Change and understood more about COP26 now when they saw it on the news. One pupil said, “I understand more about Climate change now and have ideas on how I can help the environment”. Another commented: “my presentation skills have improved, especially using Teams”.    In general, the feeling of the class was that although Climate Change is a big problem, big improvements are definitely possible and everybody needs to take responsibility and play their part.   This class has certainly help to spread that message.

Mrs Simpson