Climate charity collaborate with Ridge Climate Care Awards

The climate education charity Climate Ed recently collaborated with the Ridge Climate Care Awards to deliver an impactful programme of climate-focused workshops to primary school pupils in Oxfordshire.

This collaborative initiative, held at Charlbury Primary School, aimed to educate pupils on climate change and promote climate literacy – helping them to understand how everyday choices can support a more sustainable future.

Claire Gilbert, Climate Ed’s local volunteer manager, proposed the idea of combining both programmes to maximise the impact of climate education. Claire explained ‘The goals of Climate Ed’s programme and the Climate Care Awards are fully aligned on educating and engaging young people in climate action. Bringing together these two initiatives creates a richer, more engaging experience that empowers children to act.’

Designed by Ridge Clean Energy, the Ridge Climate Care Awards encourage sustainable living and aim to reduce eco-anxiety among young people. Meanwhile, Climate Ed delivers free climate science education, carbon literacy and climate action workshops to primary schools, currently operating in London, the North West, Oxford and the West Midlands.

The five-week programme at Charlbury Primary School featured weekly sessions on the topics of climate science, travel and CO2 emissions, food and greenhouse gases and the carbon cost of everyday items. Pupils participated in the Climate Care Awards alongside these workshops, reinforcing their learning through hands-on activities.

Kate Robertson, Headteacher at Charlbury commented ‘The year 6 class were buzzing with their new learning and positive experience. Thank you for your time, expertise and passion.’
The Climate Ed workshops are delivered by trained volunteers who are passionate about the subject and have specific expertise through their work or studies. They aim to inspire young people to take an interest in climate change, take action and become advocates for the planet.

Teresa Hall, Community Partnership Co-ordinator at Ridge Clean Energy, took on the role of Climate Ed volunteer at Charlbury School. She said ‘Running the Climate Ed workshops alongside the Climate Care Awards offers a powerful, action-oriented learning experience. This combined approach has the potential to inspire lasting behavioural change and foster climate awareness as pupils’ transition to young adulthood.’

The programme concluded with a celebration of pupil achievements. Twenty-four pupils earned their Climate Care Bronze Award, while three went on to earn the Silver Award, demonstrating exceptional commitment to climate action. The awards were presented by Alison Derham, Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, who holds the Education Brief for the county.