My Carbon Zero

In this new and exciting initiative staff, pupils and the wider school community will learn the knowledge and acquire the tools to ingrain a positive new outlook on the climate emergency. The aim is to create a generation able to contribute towards a green and sustainable future in which Scotland will lead the world. 

This new approach will take the form of three dedicated learning programmes, in addition to infusing awareness across the curriculum. 

All S1 pupils will follow a ‘Climate Emergency’ unit of work throughout the summer term in which they will investigate the climate crisis from every angle - its history, ethics, politics and geography. Young students will therefore have an extremely solid base for all their subsequent engagement with the program in the years ahead.

In addition, all year groups will take part in lessons exploring the climate emergency over a term. This will include the causes and impacts of climate change, as well as solutions they can implement now and in the future. Pupils will also be given the skills to debate with and persuade others including politicians and businesses.

In August we will launch a family learning programme to encourage participation in the wider community. This will help families support their young people to make informed decisions about a sustainable future where all have the skills and knowledge to succeed in the green economy. This will have the possibility of being delivered in a digital format so that it can go out to parents regardless of Covid restrictions.

The impact of the programme will be measured through regular audits of pupils’ carbon footprints. This will help students understand sources of carbon emissions and what they can do themselves and in partnership with others, to reduce emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere.

As part of the MCZ initiative we will form more transformative partnerships with organisations and businesses that have the Climate Emergency as a priority or part of their strategic targets. This will help our students become more equipped to help Scotland lead the way in this opportunity to address the climate emergency.  

Overall, we hope to inspire the Larbert High community to understand what they can each do on their own ‘My Carbon Zero’ journey.

Head Teacher Jon Reid said:

“We’ve moved from a Climate Challenge to a Climate Emergency and it’s important that everyone realises that now is the time to take action and do their bit.  

‘My Carbon Zero’ is an important response to the emergency and is the vehicle for informing and influencing generations of our young people.  As adults we can bury our heads in the sand and pretend that ‘it’s not our problem’.  As educators we have the opportunity to empower young people with the skills, knowledge and expertise to change not only their own habits, but to persuade other generations that, indeed, it is everyone’s problem.

We are delighted to be involved in this ground-breaking initiative, there’s no better place to start than with the leaders of tomorrow. We hope that the reach of ‘My Carbon Zero’ will be far and wide and we are committed to making a difference.”