Climate Change Learning Programme

Climate Change Learning Programme

‘Huringa Āhuarangi: whakareri mai kia haumaru āpōpō Climate Change: prepare today, live well tomorrow’

‘Whakareri mai kia haumaru āpōpō’ was developed by Aotearoa New Zealand educator Sian Carvell, in collaboration with both national and local organisations. The programme was piloted in 2018 and extensively audited and updated in 2021. Feedback was gratefully received from teachers and children and young people participating in the programme as well as science based organisations, climate change education specialists, local and central government, and stakeholders.

The programme is a science-based, integrated learning programme consisting of user and wellbeing guides and eight modules.

Click on the title links below to download the PDF files.

The programme encourages learners to interpret, analyse and engage with science, and to understand that science knowledge changes over time. There are opportunities to consider a mātauranga Māori perspective, particularly around the interconnectedness of life on earth as expressed through the relationship between Papatūānuku and Ranginui.

It builds understanding of climate change through an exploration of critical global, national, and local responses aimed at mitigating and adapting to predicted impacts.

Watch this recording from our 2022 national conference for an overview of the climate learning programme and wellbeing guide, with resource authors Sian Carvell and Jenny Ritchie. Student Keegan Verster also shares his story of being involved with the programme and how important this has been for his personal wellbeing and development as a young leader.

In exploring the challenges of climate change, ākonga are encouraged to develop and apply key competencies. They are prompted to think beyond themselves, to tautoko | support others, and to connect with the intergenerational community responding to the problem.

“I feel I know lots more about it and I'm able to understand what people are talking about when they say climate change and I'm able to join in” - Te Kura o Ōhinetahi Governors Bay School

Most importantly, the resource supports and empowers all learners to have a voice, to take action, and to play their part in a larger, systematic response.

From Learning to Action: ‘We Asked to be Heard’

Next Generation Conversation, a coalition of climate change activists aged between 10 and 14 years old submitted on the Christchurch City Council’s Coastal Adaptation Framework at the end of 2021. But before they did, they all took part in the climate change learning programme.

Created by the Christchurch City Council, the short film, We Asked To Be Heard, takes people through the process and the eventual outcome. It highlights how the programme can lead to student engagement and empowerment.