How can students hold politicians accountable for climate action? Through PACTS (Politicians Accountable for Climate to Students), a groundbreaking schools initiative empowering students to influence their MPs and engage meaningfully in the political process.
Here’s what makes PACTS unique:
- It’s more than just writing letters—it’s an ongoing dialogue, with students following up and questioning commitments over time.
- It transforms how students understand and participate in the political cycle, fostering confidence and real-world impact.
Teachers have a bold vision for the future of education—one where values, well-being, and sustainability are at the core of every classroom. It’s a future that puts students first and builds a better world through education.
In each episode, we sit down with inspiring teachers who are bringing PACTS to life in their classrooms. They share:
- Why they signed up for PACTS.
- How they’re making it happen, from classroom discussions to meeting MPs.
- The incredible impact it’s having on their students and schools.
- Their top tips to encourage other teachers to take action.
Episode 1: Patrick Gordon – Shaping Discussions at COP16
Listen to Patrick Gordon share his story of how his secondary school students shaped discussions at COP16 through their relationship with MP Pippa Halings. Patrick’s dual roles as a maths teacher and Environmental and Sustainable Education Lead at Comberton Village College in Cambridge have allowed him to integrate climate issues into the school’s curriculum, equipping students with the skills needed to advocate for action against the climate emergency and hear their voices represented by politicians. Patrick shares his top tips for how PACTS can fit into all aspects of the school curriculum and promote student political advocacy.
Episode 2: Emma Vyvyan – Empowering Students to Tackle Plastic Waste
Emma Vyvyan, Head Teacher at Sky Primary and Eden Project Nursery in Cornwall has overseen the school’s efforts to remove single-use plastics from school lunches and advocate for the recycling of soft plastics. Emma’s students’ passion for recycling is a key topic within their PACTS relationship. Their previous MP Noah Law, advocated on the student’s behalf in parliament and now Anna Gelderd MP is taking up the mantle. Emma shares her top tips for instilling resilience within students as they work to make the changes they wish to see in their community.
Episode 3: Ian McDermott – Climate Action in Urban Schools
Listen to Ian McDermott share his insights into how forming a relationship with MP Rachel Blake through PACTS has instilled confidence and political empowerment within his sixth-form students. As a chemistry teacher at Harris Westminster Sixth Form in London, Ian’s students are faced with environmental issues unique to cities and Ian offers strategies into how his school has created ways for students to step away from polluted air and into nature within London. Ian views climate education and advocacy by teachers as a form of safeguarding needed within schools and shares his top tips on how PACTS can be implemented within schools where students are already passionate about creating a greener planet.
Join PACTS
If these stories resonate with you, download the resources to bring PACTS to your school today!
If you’d like to share your story and be featured, schedule a call with Sandy here.
