More than 165 primary schools across Wales have been enjoying a new School Activity Ideas Pack created by the Welsh Government funded programme Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru | Food & Drink Skills Wales.
The pack, which encourages pupils to consider environmental factors affecting our food chains, was launched as part of Wales Climate Week.
This year’s Wales Climate Week focussed on the theme of “adaptation” in the context of climate change and provided an opportunity to learn and explore innovative solutions. It also included a wide range of events running throughout the week, both online and in-person.
The week promoted the positive work and sustainability credentials of the food and drink industry in Wales, encouraging conversations around adapting to our changing climate; alongside the environmental and social benefits of sourcing locally.
The new Activity Pack designed as a resource for teachers encouraged students to engage in this important conversation and raise awareness of climate change impacts. The Pack includes engaging and thought provoking activities based on food waste, recycling, and food miles with useful accompanying links to additional resources.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said:
“Wales Climate Week this year focuses on Adaptation, providing a valuable opportunity for our learners to engage with and explore this theme. Raising awareness of climate change impacts, and supporting learners to be committed to the sustainability of the planet are key parts of the Curriculum for Wales. Resources such as this Activity Pack are a great means of helping learners to have these urgent and necessary conversations.”
180 teachers from over 165 schools requested a copy of the new Wales Climate Week Activities Pack to support them in delivering informative and engaging classroom sessions on this important issue.
The Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru | Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme team supported this work, with a number of school visits throughout the week.
Manon Owen, Headteacher at Ysgol Llanbedrog, one of the schools the programme attended during the week, said:
“Thank you for the opportunity to raise awareness of the origin of the foods we eat and to remind the pupils of the impact of food miles on climate change. It will be interesting to hear the pupils' ideas and opinions about the small changes we can make in our everyday lives to contribute to reducing climate change. Everyone enjoyed the experience and responded positively to the presentation; showing enthusiasm for the fun activities.”
Nia Griffith, Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru | Food & Drink Skills Wales Programme, North Wales Engagement Manager said:
“We’re delighted to hear how teachers and students alike have enjoyed developing their knowledge and understanding of climate change by carrying out activities and tasks included in the newly developed Activity Pack.
Educating students is an important part within my role and it’s great to see this Pack as a valuable resource for teachers – helping to encourage and facilitate the conversations around adapting to the effects of climate change.
It has also been a great opportunity to share information about the wider work carried out by the team in highlighting the opportunities within the food and drink industry in Wales.”
