At Temple Sowerby CofE Primary School, we believe that caring for God’s creation is a shared responsibility. Our Climate Curriculum ensures that every child develops the knowledge, skills and values needed to understand the world around them and to act as responsible stewards of the environment. Rooted in our Christian vision, our curriculum teaches pupils that caring for creation is a shared responsibility. We help children understand how to live sustainably, protect the environment and act as stewards of God’s world. Through rich learning experiences across the curriculum, pupils explore environmental issues, climate change and global responsibility, developing the wisdom, compassion and courage to make a positive difference.

Climate education is not a standalone subject here — it is woven through our Science, Geography, PSHE, RE, Art/DT, and Computing curriculum from Early Years to Year 6. Through carefully planned progression, pupils learn about the natural world, human impact, sustainability, and positive climate action in age‑appropriate and meaningful ways.

What our Climate Curriculum includes

Understanding the Environment

Children explore weather, seasons, habitats, materials, plants and animals, building secure scientific knowledge that helps them understand how the environment works and why it matters.

Learning About Climate Change

As pupils move through school, they learn about:

• how climate change happens

• the difference between weather and climate

• renewable and non‑renewable energy

• carbon footprints and sustainability

• global and local environmental challenges

This learning is always presented with hope, agency and practical solutions.

Local Fieldwork and Real‑World Learning

Our rural setting gives pupils rich opportunities to learn outdoors. Children take part in:

• village and school‑grounds biodiversity surveys

• tree and plant studies

• weather and microclimate investigations

• river and water‑cycle fieldwork

• community projects linked to nature and sustainability

These experiences help pupils understand climate and environment in the context of their own community.

Taking Action

We encourage pupils to become active, responsible citizens. Across the school, children take part in:

• Eco‑Schools projects

• recycling and waste‑reduction initiatives

• energy‑saving campaigns

• gardening and growing

• wildlife‑friendly improvements to the school grounds

Pupils learn that small actions, taken together, make a big difference.

How our Climate Curriculum reflects our Christian vision

Our school vision emphasises courage, responsibility and community. Climate education supports this by helping children:

• appreciate the beauty and diversity of God’s world

• understand their responsibility to care for creation

• act with compassion and integrity and be willing to stand up for what they think is right and believe they can make a difference.

• work together for the common good

This aligns with the Church of England’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Preparing children for the future

The world our children will inherit is changing. Our Climate Curriculum ensures they leave Temple Sowerby with:

• strong scientific understanding

• critical thinking skills

• confidence to discuss environmental issues

• practical ideas for sustainable living

• a sense of hope, responsibility and agency

We want every child to know that they can make a positive difference — in their home, their community and the wider world.