This course is now fully booked.
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This 5-day introductory course to Sustainability and Climate Change will empower young people to better understand the science behind climate change, as well as become more confident in talking to others.
Climate change is the biggest challenge that humanity will face in the 21st century but we can do something about it.
Individuals have the ability to make positive, sustainable changes to their own behaviour and to inspire larger, climate-positive, systematic changes in society. In the fight against climate change, Young people will cover a range of environmental topics to deepening your understanding on climate change, undertake individual mini-projects, carbon measurement exercises, and take part in a CV writing workshop to support you working in the environmental sector. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills that you will need to take climate action back to your communities, talk more confidently on the issues and to make a positive and long-lasting impact.
- Are you considering a career in geography, sustainable development or environmental science?
- Would you to develop skills and have a career in the environmental sector?
- This introductory course is perfect for any young person who would like to learn about how to make a positive change in the face of climate change.
The residential has been created to offer you an opportunity to explore a future career or studying options in the field of environmental science and other similar areas. This residential will enable you to find out more about the subject, hear from experts working in the field and share the experience with others with similar interests.
This residential Sustainability and Climate Change is for Higher and Advanced Higher / AS and A Level Students and undergraduates who wish to get an introduction to the field. The course has been created to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and includes a range of sessions to educate and inspire participants to make positive changes in their lives and make their voices heard in our climate emergency.
The course also offers the chance to network and engage with other likeminded people. This course meets the requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential award.
This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout. If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Tutor: Centre Staff
This course will be led by our experienced and enthusiastic tutors.
Our centres are operated in a fully Covid-secure way and accommodation will be in suitably shared rooms based on the current government guidance.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
Arrive 12.00pm
Day 1
Travel to the centre / Welcome to the centre / Introduction to course / Allocation of waterproofs
Afternoon
- Course Introduction
Setting some targets, aims and aspirations for the week
Team Games
Get to know the others on the course by team building exercises and games – What have you learned about the strengths of your team and the group as a whole over the afternoon?
Evening
- Every little action… Climate Action Ambassadors – what is it all about?
What can a nursery school of less than 10 children do to change the world?
Who are the greatest ambassadors for climate action and how have they impacted on our knowledge of the issue?
Day 2
Morning
- Carbon and Environmental Indicators - Big issues in bitesize pieces
Measuring carbon in trees – how to calculate carbon storage in woodlands and what it means
Using the OPAL Lichen Survey, we will introduce the group to simple Citizen Science
Afternoon
- Invasive Species Survey
We will start by looking at an overview of ecosystem structures and how to conduct scientific sampling. After we will head out into the field to our local area for some vegetation sampling to look at impacts of invasive species on biodiversity.
Evening
- Yes, but what can we do?
Taking what you learn into the wider world
What is a Climate Action Ambassador and what can you take from here to your schools and groups?
Day 3
Morning
- Food Choices
What are your options if you live in a small community?
Building on the carbon study from Tuesday, we will look at food miles and the impacts on our habits.
Visiting shops and food outlets we will see how feasible it is to live an ‘environmentally friendly life’ outside the cities.
Afternoon
- Adventurous Activity
e.g. raft build/ high ropes
Evening
- Mini-Projects
Continuing our discussion on what we have learned and how we can translate that into the wider world
Based on everything we have looked at so far – a chance to work on the mini-projects working towards your final presentation
Day 4
Morning
- A Nature Walk with a difference
Following on from a fun Bioblitz looking for intertidal creatures we will conduct a local survey.
We will consider the wider impacts of marine litter and plastic on the environment and wildlife and what we can do about it.
Afternoon
Microplastics – if we stop using them is it all okay?
Using samples collected in various places we will conduct in-lab microscopy work looking for microplastics in the area. These results will then be contrasted with microplastic loading in terrestrial soil.
Evening
Campfire Sharing
Sharing experiences – The course should have opened students’ minds to a few new concepts and ideas – what were their favourite bits? What, if anything, do they feel they have learned?
Friday
Morning
Careers in the Environmental Sector
An overview of getting your foot in the door for a career in marine science, including tips on interviews and CV’s.
Mini Project Preparation Time
Afternoon
Presentations
To practice presenting their work to a scientific audience, students will deliver a short talk summarising their findings.
Depart at 1500
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for students, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.
What's Included
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Expert Tuition -
Free Wi-Fi -
Full Board Accommodation -
Hot and Cold Drinks -
In Course Transport -
Lunch
A train station pick-up can be offered at an additional charge.
Breakfast will be provided in the morning.
We cater for a wide range of dietary requirements, offering delicious meals.
The course will end at approximately 15.00 on the final day.
A train station departure can be arranged.
Before You Attend
What shall I bring?
Boots or wellingtons
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Hat and Gloves for warm and cold weather
Wash kit
Suitable clothing for the time of year
Small day rucksack
Head torch
Water bottle and lunch box
This course is open to young people aged 16-25. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout. If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian.
Sorry this course has ended
