Pupils at St. Anne’s School in Alderney are taking part in the global ‘Schools Across the Ocean’ programme, a worldwide educational initiative with the common goal of bringing climate and ocean literacy to pupils.
Their efforts include being twinned with two schools – Fairgreen International School, UAE and Azerbaijan European School, Azerbaijan – to share insights on climate issues affecting their different locations.
Locally they’ve worked with local conservationists, said Nic Smith, the St Anne’s teacher who led on this initiative.
“This has been one of the most impactful and worthwhile projects that I have been involved with as a teacher for over 40 years,” he said.
“Our pupils have really embraced and engaged with the whole topic and certainly have a clear ambition for positively impacting the future.
“We are deeply grateful to Alderney Wildlife Trust who have supported this project with knowledge and resources throughout.”
Parents and other members of the community in Alderney can learn more about the project this Friday when the school hosts a special exhibition and presentation, showing off the creative work the pupils have put together.
The programme, which has been developed and led by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Exeter, saw pupils learn about climate change, endangered ecosystems, and the importance of ocean conservation.
Guided by an extensive toolkit developed by the University, pupils are encouraged to express their perspectives on climate issues through creative outputs like poetry and art.
The programme has attracted the attention of Sky News, with the global broadcaster sending over a news and Sky Kids film crew to find out more.
They followed pupils at St Anne’s School as they worked on the project, also asking them about their life and education in Alderney.
The school featured in an episodes of Sky News’ FYI: Weekly News Show (an award-winning weekly news programme for young people), earlier this week.
Future episodes will also include interviews with young people in Alderney.
Later this month, the Sky News programme will cover the work of the Alderney Wildlife Trust and the ‘Schools Across the Ocean’ project.
Wendy Wilson, Headteacher at St Anne’s, said she is thoroughly proud of everyone involved.
“Through ‘Schools Across the Ocean’ our students are not just learning about climate change—they are becoming active, global citizens who are climate literate, empowered and full of hope. At St. Anne’s, we are committed to fostering knowledge and optimism in our students, ensuring this next generation is equipped to help protect our planet and its oceans.
“St Anne’s is proving that a small island school can make a big impact on the global stage, and it has been brilliant to have the Sky News television crew with us to capture the fantastic work of our pupils and teachers.”
