schools – Geogramblings

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

Posted on 20 May 202415 July 2024 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.

Nurturing Global Citizenship Through ‘British Values’ (Book Release: Developing Quality PSHE in Secondary Schools and Colleges)

Posted on 14 December 2023 by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

Today, a book titled 'Developing Quality PSHE in Secondary Schools and Colleges' was released. Within this book, I contributed a chapter on 'Diversity and Discrimination' through my work with Diverse Educators. The book also covers topics such as engaging parents/carers, sex education, and media literacy. My co-writers and I went through many drafts and rewrites of our chapter, and my part in particular about global citizenship and so-called 'British Values' had to be cut down quite substantially to fit in. So, to both celebrate the release of the book and to share my thoughts and findings that didn't make it to publication, here is my full draft before all the editing and cutting took place.

The DfE Draft Strategy on Climate Change & Sustainability Education: A Head’s Up & A Head Start

Posted on 9 December 20212 February 2022 by Kit Marie Rackley (they/she)

Many say that COP26 ended last November with not much to cheer about. But it did give us educators plenty food for thought. Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi gave encouraging sentiments regarding the Department for Education’s (DfE) plans to improve climate change and sustainability education in England. A draft strategy has been published and here I will offer a brief overview with some light analysis and what schools can do to get a head-start.