News / climate change

Primary school pupils in St George stage climate change protest

By Ellie Pipe  Wednesday Dec 11, 2019

Chants of “winner, winner, no chicken dinner” can be heard across the playground of Air Balloon Hill Primary School following a successful climate change protest.

Year four pupils turned out in force, brandishing placards and singing songs during the peaceful uprising, in which they made a series of demands to improve the environmental credentials of the St George school.

They set out to highlight the dangers of climate change and call for positive action that includes planting more trees, cutting down on meat consumption and reducing the use of single-use items, particularly plastics.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent.

………………………………

Bristol24/7 relies on your support to fund our independent journalism and social impact projects. Become a member and enjoy exclusive perks from just £5 per month.

………………………………

After hearing their pleas, headteacher Tim Browse announced the school will be making a series of changes.

Among these are plans to contact the Woodland Trust to see if more trees can be planted on the school grounds, switching from paper to hessian-backed displays, speaking to the kitchen about implementing meat-free Mondays and creating a new eco group, with teachers, parents and year four pupils.

“Your speeches really hit home,” he told the children.

“As a result of your action today, you will bring about some lasting changes to the school.”

Year four pupils turned out to protest over climate change

They set out a series of demands for headteacher Tim Browse

Children marched and chanted during the protest

Headteacher Tim Browse agrees to implement a number of changes

Speaking after the protest, teacher Jack Barker said the pupils had come up with the protest idea themselves as part of their learning about the environment and the impact of climate change.

“This plan has been in the making since September,” he said.

“We spoke a lot about doing these things peacefully.”

Read more: Bristol’s response to the climate emergency

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - main-staging.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning