The Box joins forces with local partners for free climate-inspired teacher’s events

A unique collaboration between The Box, the Ocean Conservation Trust, University of Plymouth and Surfers Against Sewage is bringing two days of free CPD opportunities for teachers to the city next month.

The events will look at climate change in Plymouth’s National Marine Park and will take place from 10am-3pm on Wednesday 21 February and Monday 26 February.

The first event on 21 February will be held at the National Marine Aquarium and led by the Ocean Conservation Trust. It will include a guided tour of the Aquarium and a chance to learn more about the Trust’s Ocean Literacy principles and how to bring them into the classroom.

The second event on 26 February will be held at The Box. Professor Alison Anderson from the University of Plymouth will share research findings about young people’s views on climate change, while the Surfers Against Sewage team will talk about their inspirational education work and how pupils and students can become agents for change.

Attendees will also get to ‘test drive’ The Box’s Climate Action workshop. This new school’s resource explores how scientists, swimmers, adventurers and artists are raising awareness about marine environments, and includes suggested teaching activities related to protecting the National Marine Park.

“After regional teacher feedback we felt there was a real need to share more information about ocean literacy and learning approaches related to climate change in the classroom,” says Adam Murray, Learning Officer at The Box.

“It’s been brilliant to collaborate with the Ocean Conservation Trust, University of Plymouth and Surfers against Sewage in this way and we’re thrilled to have created two inspiring professional development days that will highlight how climate change is directly affecting Plymouth’s marine life. These free events will provide curriculum links between The Box’s collections, innovative research and climate activism to empower teachers and inspire their students.”

Teachers can access a full schedule for both dates and book their places for one, both or part of either day by emailingTheBoxLearning@plymouth.gov.uk.

The Box is also offering a further CPD event for teachers on Monday 4 March from 3pm-5pm. This session is connected to the forthcoming ‘The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure’ exhibition which is touring to The Box from London’s National Portrait Gallery from 29 June-29 September 2024. This free event will include a behind the scenes tour with art curator Terah Walkup looking at portraits of unrepresented people in the city’s archives, and a creative workshop exploring identity through portraiture with artist Anna Boland. More information and bookings are also available via TheBoxLearning@plymouth.gov.uk.