Tag: education

What If We’ve Got It Right? An Open Letter to a School Leader on Heat, Safety and Climate Resilience

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

The first letter in this series was written in frustration — in response to a school communication that seemed to confuse the effects of heat with the effects of relaxed uniform. This one comes from a different place. During the same spell of extreme weather, another school made the difficult decision to cancel an outdoor trip and postpone a community event during a red heat-health alert. For one parent, it stood out as an example of calm, child-centred leadership under pressure. What follows is a lightly anonymised version of the note they wrote in response.

Empty classroom with wooden desks, a jacket on a chair, a notebook, pen, and water bottle on a desk

What If We’ve Got It Wrong? An Open Letter to a School Leader on Uniform, Heat and Behaviour

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

A school in England, facing a run of very hot days and a national heat alert, wrote to parents to set out its expectations. There were some adjustments - small ones - but the overall message was clear: standards would hold, routines would remain, and any loosening of uniform would need to be carefully controlled. There was also an implication, lightly but unmistakably put, that where uniform had been relaxed in the past, behaviour had slipped. For one parent reading it, that last point stuck. So they wrote back....

On-Location: Educational Sustainability, Coastal Identity, and Hope in Great Yarmouth – A Conversation with Dr Catherine Richards

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

In Episode 5 of the podcast, the I visit East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Great Yarmouth, emphasising sustainability as a cultural practice intertwined with education. Principal Dr. Catherine Richards discusses the college's role in the community, addressing local challenges while promoting climate literacy across all subjects, fostering a sense of belonging and optimism.

Infographic titled "Climate literacy as safeguarding in schools" with five sections: Acknowledgement, Care, Honesty, Support, Shared Responsibility. Each section has an icon and brief explanatory text, emphasizing emotional and educational roles in addressing climate change.

Climate literacy as safeguarding: What reasonable professional responsibility looks like

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

The final part of the "This isn't activism, it's duty of care". Here I propose five 'reasonable responsibilties' of educators regarding climate change and its impact on children. By combining the three reports explored, we recognise children's emotional connections to nature, school systems' contributions to environmental issues, and officially recognised ecological risks. Rather than advocating for heroic actions, I call for acknowledgment of climate-related concerns, careful language, and institutional honesty. The aim is to cultivate climate literacy without placing undue burden on students, grounding responsibilities in shared, reasonable actions rather than individual blame.

This isn’t activism, it’s duty of care: What three recent reports tell us about climate change, young people, and responsibility in education

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

The start of a series of blog posts focusing on climate literacy and institutional responsibility, examining the complex issues children face. By analysing recent reports, the series aims to slow down the conversation and emphasise professional duties toward young people's wellbeing. It will challenge existing narratives and explore safeguarding implications.

Curriculum Reform, Climate Literacy & Safeguarding: Decolonising What We Teach (and Why) in Light of the DfE Review

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

The Department for Education's Curriculum and Assessment Review outlines potential educational reforms by 2028. While improvements are noted, significant gaps remain in curriculum time and assessment for climate education. Action steps for school leaders to mitigate shortfalls include embedding climate education into policies, assessing decolonial practices, and enhancing teacher training. A free subscription is required to read this post.

Defending Climate Literacy: A Response to NOAA’s Guide Removal

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

In my latest #GeogramblingsReacts video, I delve into the troubling removal of NOAA's Essential Principles for Climate Literacy guide by the current administration. This invaluable resource has been a cornerstone for climate education, and its censorship is a significant blow to our efforts. Discover why this guide matters, how you can still access it, and join me in supporting climate literacy.

Empowering Schools: Linking Climate Action to Safeguarding

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

I have long demonstrated that climate change should be included in school safeguarding policies, as it impacts children's well-being and education. As the East of England's Regional Hub Manager for the Climate Ambassadors scheme, I have began to assist schools in making safeguarding policies climate literate. Recent work with the Halcyon Federation focused on integrating climate action into safeguarding measures. Read how we got there.

Endorsement of the ‘National Climate Education Action Plan’ Curriculum Mapping report

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

The UK government is urged to prioritise sustainability and climate education to prepare young people for green jobs. A report highlights opportunities to integrate climate education into the curriculum.

New role: Connecting Schools, Experts and Climate Enthusiasts in the East of England

Posted on by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is coordinating the East of England hub for the Climate Ambassador Scheme, a national initiative to provide expert support to nurseries, schools, and colleges in their sustainability efforts. The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at UEA will lead the recruitment and training of volunteer Climate Ambassadors to empower educators and students in the region to take meaningful climate action. The East of England, particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, will benefit from this scheme as it equips the next generation with the skills and knowledge to navigate a changing planet.