We’re inspiring more green ideas after Environment Leaders Programme success

An ambitious environmental project for which Barnsley College was chosen as a ‘trailblazer’ is being expanded upon this year after its successful start.

Barnsley College was one of 25 trailblazer sites for the Environment Leaders Programme – run jointly by the Leadership Skills Foundation, WWF and RSPB to develop leadership skills for the next generation of environmental changemakers.

The College’s involvement in the programme saw three groups of students work on a variety of initiatives, including a project to turn the College’s food waste into compost and partnership work with a hedgehog and badger conservation organisation. As a trailblazer, the College and students were able to shape the programme which now begins in earnest – gaining ‘finalist’ status in the Green Gown Awards as a result.

The outcome of the programme is a recognised Level 3 qualification in Leading a Project for Positive Change, supporting students’ academic progress as well as their development of key skills to go on to higher education or employment.

“With this programme, students are able to gain a qualification alongside an appreciation and understanding of sustainability that goes beyond the curriculum,” said Ami Kilner, Personal Progress Mentor at Barnsley Sixth Form College who led the programme and is now rolling out training for staff to deliver it across other campuses.

“Sustainability is embedded into all of our teaching and learning at College – but it’s become clear there is a huge appetite for sustainable action among students, and providing opportunities and resources such as this empowers them to act.

“The programme required some time outside of normal college hours, but students were given total control over their projects and reaped the benefits. They have even offered to help with the delivery of this year’s programme.

“It has boosted their confidence, allowing them to lead a project and work with external stakeholders, and encouraged self-reflection and consideration of the world around them.

“Our ultimate aim with projects like these is that we’re able to create a cultural shift and raise levels of understanding of sustainability in the community.”

Students and staff looking to get involved with the programme are being encouraged to contact Ami, or the College’s Sustainability department, to learn more.