Students in the North of England commit to tackling climate change at sustainability conference

Students from academies across the North of England came together at the home of Leeds United to discuss the importance of tackling climate change. 

Each secondary academy within Outwood Grange Academies Trust sent representatives from their student council to take part in the Student Voice Conference. 

The students were given the opportunity to network with those across the Trust, hear from experts on sustainability and share their thoughts and ideas about how they can tackle climate change. 

These ideas included the banning of plastic cutlery, the introduction of more recycling bins, the launching of a litter-picking programme and the reduction of plastic equipment, specifically pens.

To showcase the importance of action, the Trust was committed to making the conference as sustainable as possible – including using eco-friendly paper, recycled pens and organising shared transport for students and staff. 

During the conference, the Trust also launched its new green strategy which showcases the various ways sustainability will be embedded into leadership, curriculum, enrichment, estates and operations and community  to ensure they are taking every step to combat climate change. 

One of the leading events of the day included a panel consisting of the Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor David Jones, Dr Amanda Maycock a professor at the University of Leeds who specialises in environmental studies, the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Sir Martyn Oliver and Paul Laird, Associate Director of Humanities for the OGAT. The panel addressed questions submitted by students across the Trust on how they can do more to embed sustainability into their everyday practices. 

Sustainability has been a key focus for the Trust as it works to create a bright future for all of its students. The event was organised to create a space for the next generation to discuss how they will be at the forefront of driving sustainability development at each academy. 

The conference ended with a discussion of next steps for the Trust’s student representatives, including deciding on other issues they want to tackle. Alongside their commitment to sustainability, the students are looking forward to working together to help raise confidence in young people at each of their academies.  

Dr Amanda Maycock, Professor at the University of Leeds, said: 

“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and creativity of Outwood Academy pupils at the Youth Voice Conference. 

“I am sure they will keep up the excellent work and help to drive sustainability at each of their schools.”

Niamh Longbottom, Science Teacher at Outwood Academy Hemsworth and organiser of the Student Conference, said: 

“The conference was a massive success, and it was truly wonderful to see our students so enthusiastic to share their thoughts and ideas about sustainability with their peers.  

“Our student voice team came up with some excellent ideas on how we as a Trust can take action to tackle climate change and I look forward to seeing them implement these solutions.” 

Sir Martyn Oliver, Chief Executive Officer of Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: 

“It is a priority for our trust to work towards carbon zero as quickly as possible and our staff and students are being empowered to take action.

Whilst working hard to educate well-rounded and responsible citizens for the future, it is vitally important that we all take responsibility for the effect that we all have on the world around us and encourage all to work together to make a positive impact on society.  

“The student representatives at the conference did a fantastic job at showcasing unwavering commitment and passion for wanting to take real action to tackle climate change, and I am confident the solutions they came up with together will have a great impact.”