BANES Climate Conference

On Friday, Kingswood School hosted the 2024 BANES Climate Conference. This day is run similarly to Global COP conferences where it gives students an opportunity to have their voices heard, learn about new sustainable ideas and connect with other schools in the BANES region to hear how they are tackling climate change issues. We decided to choose the theme ‘positive changes that we can make in our society’. The day consisted of looking at ways to act on the climate emergency, inspire other young people and celebrate positive changes that we are making in our society. 

The day started off with the students attending workshops which were run by numerous speakers, all of whom reached out to Kingswood to be interested in this event due to having a background in sustainability. They either spoke about their journeys to where they are today or inspired students about future jobs in the sustainability sector and made them aware of their businesses which all make positive changes in our society both locally and globally. This session also involved some students working with councillor Sarah Warren and her team, who ran a workshop to gather youth feedback on their sustainability work in the area. 

After this, students split into 2 groups with sixth formers being led by the Avon Schools Eco Network who shared the work they have done to access greater opportunities within BANES. Whilst all other students heard from former teacher Mr Musgrove, who spoke about what positive changes we can all do. This was followed by hearing from our local MP Wera Hobhouse, which allowed students to question her on local environmental issues and learn about the projects the council is currently working on. 

Finally, the conference ended with each of the 11 schools presenting their sustainable ideas in a Dragon's Den style theme to help inspire others to promote positive change. There were some excellent ideas ranging from creating energy and food waste apps, to utilising outdoor spaces through implementing water butts, allotments, outdoor classrooms etc.  

A big thanks must go to the students at Kingswood who participated and helped prepare for the day. Additionally, a massive thank you to Mr Musto, Mrs Brown and Mr Moat for all their support, allowing the day to run smoothly. Our thanks, of course, go to Miss Becconsall for organising such an outstanding event centred around a vital topic.