10:10's Cecily Spelling tells us all about their Solar Schools project that is reinvigorating eco-clubs up and down the country and putting pupils at the helm of an exciting journey to help tackle climate change.
"I’ve learnt a lot about solar energy. I think everybody should have solar panels but if they can’t, then they should save their energy. I think our solar panels are a sort of message saying be eco-friendly."
Francesca Henry White, pupil at Pendock Primary School
Solar Schools is an initiative developed and run by carbon cutting charity, 10:10. At its simplest, Solar Schools is a fundraising toolkit – we help schools to crowdfund the cost of solar from their community. But in practice, it's so much more than that. By getting the whole community involved, Solar Schools gives parents, pupils, staff and local residents the chance to explore energy and climate change in a practical and tangible way, and take action to do something about it in their own community.
To date we've worked with 65 schools around the country, who together, have raised £470,000 to install over 800 panels! And the pounds and panels are just half the story; 67% of volunteers say the project has helped them get closer to the school and the wider community. Though, the favourite reported outcome of the project has been raising awareness of energy issues amongst the pupils – creating the eco warriors of the future!
This year there are just 20 places up for grabs for the next academic year and applications are now open!
With green flag status already in place, St Luke’s primary school in Brighton were looking for an exciting next step for their eco club - enter Solar Schools.
"We have never seen the students so enthusiastic about a project before or so much support from the wider community - it's been surprising and incredible!"
Stella Pentecost, parent, St Luke’s primary school, Brighton
From starring in their own amazing video to presenting to a group of Chilean delegates and even appearing on the local TV station, the pupils have really gone above and beyond in the name of solar. Thanks to their hard work, the school has just £405 to go until they reach their £13,600 target. St Luke’s are set to install a 10kw rig on their canteen roof which will add an extra £1,000 to their school budget annually. They plan to plough this right back into the school, using it to buy more resources and further improving their green credentials.
This year Solar Schools is even more exciting because schools can choose between two different funding options, to suit all schools and fundraising abilities. So, if you’d like to get your students on board a magical Solar Schools journey then apply before June 10th to win one of 20 spots up for grabs for the next academic year.
If you would like any more information or want to discuss the project further then please get in contact on either hello@solarschools.org.uk or ring us on 020 7388 6688.
Further teaching ideas and resources:
To date we've worked with 65 schools around the country, who together, have raised £470,000 to install over 800 panels! And the pounds and panels are just half the story; 67% of volunteers say the project has helped them get closer to the school and the wider community. Though, the favourite reported outcome of the project has been raising awareness of energy issues amongst the pupils – creating the eco warriors of the future!
This year there are just 20 places up for grabs for the next academic year and applications are now open!
With green flag status already in place, St Luke’s primary school in Brighton were looking for an exciting next step for their eco club - enter Solar Schools.
"We have never seen the students so enthusiastic about a project before or so much support from the wider community - it's been surprising and incredible!"
Stella Pentecost, parent, St Luke’s primary school, Brighton
From starring in their own amazing video to presenting to a group of Chilean delegates and even appearing on the local TV station, the pupils have really gone above and beyond in the name of solar. Thanks to their hard work, the school has just £405 to go until they reach their £13,600 target. St Luke’s are set to install a 10kw rig on their canteen roof which will add an extra £1,000 to their school budget annually. They plan to plough this right back into the school, using it to buy more resources and further improving their green credentials.
This year Solar Schools is even more exciting because schools can choose between two different funding options, to suit all schools and fundraising abilities. So, if you’d like to get your students on board a magical Solar Schools journey then apply before June 10th to win one of 20 spots up for grabs for the next academic year.
If you would like any more information or want to discuss the project further then please get in contact on either hello@solarschools.org.uk or ring us on 020 7388 6688.
Further teaching ideas and resources:
- Read our feature about sustainable energy
- Explore our Light & Light Technologies photo-teaching resource
- Browse the energy resources on our database.
