Treesy does it
Primary kids learn more about their local area and make their route to school more pleasant by planting trees
GREEN-FINGERED primary school children have been brightening up their neighbourhood to make it a safer and more pleasant place.
The children have teamed up with a local artist and community workers to help regenerate their area and find out more about its history.
Now the acting principal teacher at St Teresa’s Primary School, Glasgow, has been nominated for a Learning for Sustainability Award.
The awards, run by the Record and Education Scotland, highlight the work being undertaken in schools, and celebrate Scottish education and the commitment of teachers, pupils, and volunteers to environmental and social justice issues.
Siobheann McCloskey Carmichael is in the running for the leadership award for her work with the pupils on sustainability projects. She teamed up the children with local partners
as Hamiltonhill Claypits, an area in Possilpark that has been regenerated near the school.
The district was built around the Saracen Foundry, which was once the main employer but closed in 1967, leading to a great deal of deprivation and crime. Now it’s being regenerated thanks to community organisations such as Hamiltonhill Claypits and the Concrete Garden, an urban community food growing, play and wellbeing project, which is also working with young people.
“The children are very proud of their vibrant community and were keen to know more about its history and to improve their environment,” said Siobheann.
The Claypits had been a barren area after the clay quarry closed. It was also the site of the foundry, glassworks and boatsuch building yard that sprung up around the Forth & Clyde Canal. It’s now Glasgow’s only innercity nature reserve, a parkland, a home to raptors and waterfowl, and where roe deer roam.
Siobheann said: “It’s a beautiful area right on our doorstep. Glasgow North artist in residence Saffy Setohy became involved with the children on a project at the Claypits – they created pieces of ceramic, which were then exhibited.
“The children also planted five trees, the first of many. It’s all about taking pride in our area and empowering young people.”
How to apply. The awards recognise the dedication and achievements of learners, practitioners, education supporters, establishments and providers, and those in leadership positions in Scottish education.
Entry to the awards is open to all publicly funded early learning and childcare settings and schools in Scotland, including special, primary and secondary schools, as well as community learning and development providers.
Nominations will close on 12 September 2021.Winners will be announced in the Record, online and in the paper, on 27 October 2021.
Submit your nomination: www.learning forsustainability awards.co.uk.