The Energy Agency has always recognised that education is an effective method of encouraging energy-saving behaviour. Not only does it educate schoolchildren, but they also act as 'energy advisers' in their own homes!

Education lessons and games have been delivered to primary and secondary school children since the year 2000. During that time 39,415 children have participated and enjoyed these interactive lessons.

The lessons are delivered in line with the Curriculum for Excellence and raise awareness of energy production, renewable energy and energy efficiency. They also help to engage pupils and their families in the task of reducing energy consumption in their day-to-day lives.

The lessons relate closely to EcoSchools accreditation and may be used as an effective route for individual schools to work towards this quality mark. EcoSchools is a programme for promoting environmental awareness in a way that links to most, if not all, curriculum subjects. 

The Approach

An Education Co-ordinator along with 4 Energy Support Officers, deliver a stimulating double session to pupils using a wide range of media. A short talk is combined with a video presentation to communicate the key concepts of energy production and conservation. This is followed by an interactive question and answer session to keep the facts relevant to the children's experiences. After a break, the class has fun with a floor-size board game. The game, played in Euros, has been specifically designed to test retention and consolidate the information presented whilst encouraging learning through play.

Results

This approach has proved extremely popular with pupils and teachers alike and research has shown that this is a very successful method of encouraging positive change in energy-saving behaviour. The interactive style of the lessons result in a high retention of the facts by the children and they are keen to act on these energy saving tips. When asked how they will conserve energy in the future; the most popular responses are to remember to turn off lights as they leave the room and to stop leaving their TV's on standby!

A variety of competitions are run throughout the school year to encourage pupils to retain information even longer. Prize draws take place and children have the opportunity of winning a prize such as a solar powered radio for secondary pupils.  Attractive calendars and posters are produced annually with primary pupil's artwork.  These are very important for raising energy awareness amongst families, communities and councils and are very popular with the children.  Classes are encouraged to compete for the opportunity of winning prizes and attending an award ceremony.

Who is Involved

The Energy Agency, Energy Saving Trust, local council and energys developers collaborate to ensure the education programmes are a success.

Further Information

Please contact Anne Shearlaw on 01292 521896