The days may be getting colder, but sustainability in Suffolk schools is heating up!
The Suffolk Our Schools Our World Hub has now grown to include 23 primary schools! We’re excited to see how their collective efforts are empowering pupils to become real changemakers.
November brings a series of exciting international, environment-focused events:
- COP30 will bring together world leaders, scientists, and activists in Belém, Brazil to tackle climate change.
- The Earth Shot Prize will celebrate innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.
- The International Day of Action on Plastic, led by Plastic Clever Schools, will help schools kickstart efforts to reduce single-use plastics.
See below for more information about these events and links to educational resources.
Our Schools Our World
Last month, we welcomed nine primary schools to the Suffolk Our Schools Our World Hub. Headteachers, senior programme leads, and operational staff joined us for three inspiring training days at the sunny St. Joseph’s campus.
The sessions sparked rich discussions on climate education, outdoor learning, eco-empathy, and school sustainability projects—past and future. Huge thanks to all participating schools for bringing such energy, insight, and enthusiasm.
Special thanks to:
Jonathan Cooper, co-founder of Our Schools Our World, for leading the first two days of training
Nige Stannett, Let’s Go Zero Local Climate Action Adviser, and Jenna Gilmour, East of England Programme Manager for the National Education Nature Park, for supporting day three.
Suffolk Hub Schools
– All Saints Lawshall
– Bacton and Mendlesham
– Barrow
– Birchwood
– Broke Hall
– Brooklands
– Claydon
– Earl Soham
– Framlingham Sir Robert Hitcham’s
– Great Barton
– Great Finborough
– Heath
– Helmingham
– Holbrook
– Kennett
– Kingsfleet
– Kyson
– Ringshall
– Snape
– Stanton
– Somerleyton
– Wenhaston
COP30
The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) will take place from 10–21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. World leaders, scientists, and stakeholders will gather to advance global climate action and set new pledges.
This year’s summit is especially significant— five years from the 2030 deadline for countries to meet their Paris Agreement targets. COP30 will focus on limiting global warming to 1.5°C and marks the deadline for nations to submit updated national climate plans (NDCs).
Resources
The Earth Shot Prize
The 5th Earth Shot Prize Ceremony will take place on 5 November in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This global environmental award recognises five winners each year for their outstanding contributions to environmentalism. Launched in 2021, the prize will be awarded annually until 2030. Each winner receives £1 million to support and scale their work.
The five prize categories, inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, are:
- Nature restoration and protection
- Clean air
- Ocean revival
- Waste-free living
- Climate action
To support educators, the Earth Shot Prize team has created a Teacher Toolkit for pupils aged 10 and up. It encourages bold, creative thinking through a four-step design thinking process, helping students develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Resources
Plastic Clever Schools: International Day of Action
Plastic Clever Schools will hold their International Day of Action on 7 November, focusing on reducing single-use plastics. The day features hands-on activities, assemblies, and expert-led workshops.
Beyond this campaign, Plastic Clever Schools supports educators year-round, helping them engage pupils in conversations about plastic use and work together to reduce it across the school.
Resources
· International Day of Action 7th November 2025
· Plastic Clever Schools Primary Toolkit