The next generation: researchers and teachers strengthen links

The ESI was formally opened in April 2013 by Cornish schoolchildren and, one year on, celebrated its first anniversary with an Environment and Sustainability Day, at which dozens more young people took part in workshops and gained hands-on experience of the way the ESI tries to solve a wide range of problems associated with environmental change.

While March 2015 will see another such day of events, the aim of the recent gathering was to extend the collaboration between researchers and teachers beyond this a once-a-year opportunity. For this reason,  subjects covered at the meeting included how to formalise this collaboration, working together to help raise aspiration and attainment across Cornwall, producing materials for use in classrooms and making possible a programme of visits by school pupils to the ESI and by ESI researchers to our partner schools.

Initially, and at this meeting, this involved 11 teachers and lecturers from seven local schools and colleges. The appetite for the further development of links was evident throughout:

“It is refreshing to come to a meeting like this which is about sharing ideas and genuine collaboration.”  Treviglas School

“It is brilliant to have such an amazing facility available to us on our doorstep.” Penair School

“This really helps us to get hold of a bigger picture”. Penryn School

“Sometimes what seem like some very simple research ideas can become incredibly meaningful when they are taken into a school context.”  Dr Karen Anderson, Senior Lecturer in Natural Environment, ESI

“Wow - overwhelmed by fantastic innovative teaching ideas from all the Cornwall school teachers we just met.” Dr Amber Griffiths, Research Fellow (via Twitter).