A groundbreaking climate crisis qualification has proved a hit with students at St Colm's in Dunmurry.
The Belfast high school was one of the first across Northern Ireland to offer the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful course, which can gain pupils the equivalent of a GSCE.
Titled 'Reducing Carbon Footprints Through Environmental Action', the course provides the option to study issues including biodiversity recovery, climate campaigning, fast fashion and single use plastics.
Read more: Education chiefs approve first climate action qualification for NI students
It was approved by the Department for Education last summer and is open to GSCE and A-Level students.
St Colm's pupil Stephen is one of 36 at his school who chose to study the course. He said: "I really enjoyed Geography in years 8, 9 and 10. This course is interesting as it shows us some of the issues affecting our planet. It also teaches us that little actions now can have impacts on our carbon footprint. Our teachers also make it very interesting."
The school's head of geography, Angela Ardis, added: "The course itself is varied and interesting. It builds on knowledge gained through the junior school geography syllabus and applies it to the outside world.
"Our pupils gain knowledge of what climate change is; its affects and what they can do to help their local community become greener and more sustainable. It also allows our students to gain valuable life skills such as teamwork; independent study and research, via resources, such as the internet."
The first of its kind qualification in NI was developed in collaboration with environmental charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, and is awarded by the Open College Network (OCN).
Two levels of study are available are available - Award and Certificate. The certificate qualification is equivalent to a grade B at GCSE, and includes options to study modules on Biodiversity Recovery, Climate Campaigning, Fast Fashion and Tackling Single Use Plastics.
But both explore the impact of carbon emissions on climate change and how individuals, communities and organisations may contribute to reducing these.
Environmental Education manager at Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Charlene McKeown, believes this breadth of content is key. She said: "From understanding our carbon footprints, to fast fashion, to climate campaigning; this qualification is about equipping our young people with the knowledge, skills and resilience that that they need to tackle the climate crisis."
Teachers interested in delivering the course must first complete accredited Carbon Literacy training, delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Click here for more information.
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