Green Capital / Feature
Green Capital: Inspiring the next generation
“I’ve just been really passionate about the environment all my life,” says Clare Marshall. “I don’t know why but I used to obsess about snails when I was younger.”
As a teacher she’s committed to passing on that enthusiasm for the natural world and has been working with Bristol 2015 to create a lasting learning legacy for children across Bristol and beyond.
She has created a series on unique workshops for schools delivering vital lessons on green issues and the environment.
is needed now More than ever
“To me children are the future decision makers and I want them to lead by example. Children are naturally very forward thinking and so I think they deserve to be at the forefront of any change,” she says.
“They are so incredibly positive – they really believe they can make a difference and if enough people think like that then we will have positive change in the future.”
Clare had already helped put green issues firmly on the agenda at Parson Street Primary in Bedminster where she works as a maths teacher. The children have helped her perfect the Bristol 2015 workshops.
“Thankfully children tend to be a bit more open minded and less cynical,” she says. “Once they get their teeth into the idea of green philosophy they just want to spread the word.
“They love showing off their knowledge and love meeting people who are experts who they can question – they are just glad to have a voice I think and endless enthusiasm.”
Clare says they aim to reach every child in every Bristol school as a legacy of Bristol 2015 and beyond that she has ambitions for a national roll-out.
”We are trying to pull together a lot of the information out there as well as create new resources to create one teacher friendly website and that will be something that will be available nationally and be ongoing for the future.”
The education program does not stop at the school gates. With the help of Aardman Animations Bristol 2015 have also developed a new free online game Sustainable Shaun, designed to reinforce the green message through fun and informative games.
Encouraging children to connect everything in their lives to the environment is key, says Clare. “I’m really enthused about it and it matters – it’s really important that the children know about the value of our world.”
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