Helping Broads school children learn for the future
The How Hill Trust at Ludham is offering schools in the Broads free support to learn about their diverse and interesting localities, while at the same time exploring their impact on the unique Broads environment.
The £60,000 Broad Futures Project is now into its second year and has been extended from 10 to all Broads schools. It is a partnership between Norfolk Environmental Education Service (Norfolk County Council) and the How Hill Trust. The project is funded by the Broads Authority Sustainable Development Fund, which has provided £45,670 over two years, the Department for International Development’s ‘Enabling Effective Support’ initiative and Norfolk County Council’s Education Advisory Services.
Any school in the wider Broads area, which includes the urban areas of Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft and all the rural areas in between, is eligible to take part in the scheme.
Schools can access a wide variety of free support - including whole day teacher training events at the famous environmental study centre of How Hill, in the heart of the Broads, one-to-one support in school from the project coordinator and in school staff twilight training sessions.
In addition schools have access to a selection of specially created activities via the Broads Futures website on the theme of sustainability using the Broads as a relevant context. Teachers can either choose to deliver these activities in school themselves or invite Nell Seal, the Project Coordinator, to work alongside their pupils.
Nell says:
"The Broads area is fascinating to adults and children alike. Investigating the Broads presents us with a variety of issues, from conservation and water quality, to tourism and local livelihoods, all of which can be explored by young people. Pupils are able to relate to this learning since it is firmly rooted in their local area.”
The Broad Futures Project is currently working with 5 - 11 year olds and would welcome enquiries from more Broads schools. Schools that have been working with Nell over the last year include Breydon Middle School, Elm Tree Primary School, Lowestoft, Harford Manor Special School, Norwich, Hickling First School, Rockland St Mary Primary School and Ludham First School.
Sue Wright, Head Teacher at Ludham says:
"Participating in the Broads Future project has been great for us. We've really made progress on several projects in school as a result. As teachers, our awareness of sustainability issues in the Broads has increased and our pupils are now starting to question their actions in a more balanced way. Even external visitors such as OFSTED have noted our sustainability work and the positive impact it has had in school.”
David Holmes, director of How Hill, said:
"This is a new and exciting departure for How Hill. We are developing the field of environmental education into education for sustainable development which is now part of the National Curriculum and are providing free services. I am particularly proud of the partnerships which have made this project possible.”
Teachers wishing to find out more should visit www.norfolkesinet.org.uk/envedu and click on Broad Futures or call Nell direct on 01603 438975, email: nellseal.howhill@ukonline.co.uk.
18/04/2005
