Teach the Future has a template letter to be sent the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Skills, etc, Bridget Phillipson. It nicely sets out the arguments for the Labour Party to do what TtF would like it to do, and is set to go out at a crucial time in the election-preparation calendar. On Thursday February 8th, Labour is expected to finalise its draft election manifesto and shadow cabinet members have been asked to submit their ideas so they can be subjected to "stress testing and bomb-proofing".
TtF wants to make sure that climate education remains a priority for the party leadership, and this is the latest in an impressive series of interventions over a number of years. It is nicely timed. But is it nicely aimed?
I ask because Bridget P would seem to have little sway on the manifesto; indeed, if you believe what you read about inner party processes, mere shadow Secretaries of State have next to no influence; not even the fabled Ed Miliband. They are, after all, only elected MPs rather than those who now dominate the inner workings of the party machine. Think Morgan McSweeney, Rav Athwal and Sue Grey.
It will be instructive to see what happens. In a party whose two main educational promises seem to be imposing vat on private schools fees and the compulsory brushing of children's teeth, how much appetite is there for major curriculum interventions?
Here's the letter ...
Dear Bridget Phillipson,
I am glad that Labour have committed to providing a broader and richer curriculum for young people within the Party’s plan for schools announced last month. Thank you for prioritising the transformation of our education system that we urgently need to ensure young people are prepared for their futures.
Given the critical importance of climate education in preparing young people for current and future challenges, I am writing to request the incorporation of content from the Climate Education Bill into Labour’s plan for schools. In support of a broader and richer curriculum, climate education must be mandatory and integrated throughout the curriculum for all ages.
The inclusion of this content will give young people the education they need to thrive in a net zero society, support young people to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, and be part of the solution. Students, such as those from Teach the Future, teachers, parents and organisations [like ours], are calling for this inclusion, and it has the support from the UK general public - research published last year found that 76% of respondents think that it is important for children and young people to be prepared for climate change (the shifts in average weather conditions as a result of human activity) at school.
This is an opportunity to respond to worries and negative emotions our young people experience in relation to climate change, and empower them to see themselves as part of a solution to this issue, regardless of subjects and industries they choose to specialise in later on. Additionally, climate education can support students developing green skills and interest in green jobs, preparing them for personal and professional success.
I look forward to hearing about the progress and efforts to incorporate climate education into Labour's plan for schools.
Yours,
etc
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Respond