Our A Level Geography students recently had the exciting opportunity to attend a citywide Climate Conference held at Newcastle Civic Centre. The event brought together schools, community groups, and organisations from across the region to discuss the urgent issue of climate change and explore practical steps towards creating a more sustainable future for Newcastle.

The conference featured an inspiring line-up of guest speakers representing a diverse range of organisations and sectors involved in climate action. Presentations were delivered by representatives from Climate Action Newcastle, the Royal Horticultural Society, National Education Nature Parks, and the Newcastle Youth Council, each offering unique perspectives on tackling environmental challenges at local and national levels.

Throughout the day, our students took part in a series of interactive workshops exploring key themes such as transport, food systems, energy, governance, biodiversity, and recycling. These sessions encouraged students to think critically about the environmental impact of everyday choices and to consider how communities can work together to implement meaningful climate policies.

A particular highlight of the day was the climate policy competition, where students collaborated in groups to design creative solutions for making Newcastle a greener and more sustainable city. The event also provided an opportunity for networking and sharing ideas with like-minded young people from across the region, reinforcing the importance of youth voices in shaping the environmental agenda.

To top off an inspiring day, students enjoyed a delicious vegan lunch, showcasing how sustainable food choices can be both environmentally friendly and delicious.

The conference was a truly valuable experience for all involved — sparking thoughtful discussions, empowering our students to take action, and reinforcing the vital role education plays in building a sustainable future.