Those at Comino Foundation strongly believe that cultural education can play a pivotal role in helping young people to participate as active citizens in the world around them; helping them to respect and value diverse perspectives, to build a broader world view and to develop a deeper sense of connection to others.  This month we were able to bring Ideas Foundation ‘Climate Stories’ campaign project into the East Manchester Academy to help Year 7 learners to take a creative look at the impacts of climate change, and create a call to action to their peers and communities, through a powerful collaborative artwork.

Lead by internationally recognised climate artist and activist Clare Dudeney, a group of Year 7 learners were challenged to consider, not just the science of climate change, but the values and cultural wisdom that support environmental stewardship.  Through the activity pupils developed a tangible sense of how climate change affects them, their life choices and the choices for nature and communities across the world.  Ideas inspired by these discussions were developed into ‘Climate Change Flags’ a group artwork building on ideas from research, personal stories and the testimony of others, to develop icons and symbols which gave meaning and message to the series of flags which made up the group artwork installation.   

Comino Foundation Project Manager, Deborah Davidson commented that:

‘Through todays workshops we were able to witness how cultural education, when integrated into subjects like literature, art, or science, brings learning to life. It encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth, whilst allowing young people to reflect on their own identities and recognize the contributions of others. As schools aim to build inclusive and future-ready environments, cultural education must play a central role. It’s how we teach students not only to make a living—but also to make a difference.’