Exeter primary school represented at major COP26 climate conference

Published: 26 October 2021

An Exeter primary school will have a presence at the international climate change conference COP26 in Glasgow with a unique environmental art installation.

Last year, headteacher at Trinity School Owen Wilder asked the school’s Forest School leader to explore with the children the topic of solar energy.

It was through this and learning about moths, and the vital role that they play as pollinators, that the school found out about a nationwide Moths to a Flame project supported by the Arts Council, and started working with local artist Chloe Uden.

Owen said: “Here at Trinity School we want to encourage children to explore, challenge and take risks independently. Working with forest school leaders and Chloe has been a great way for them to do this through learning about climate change and the importance of moths.”

Each child was invited to work with Chloe on the creation of giant moth artwork, which went on display in the Princesshay Shopping Centre.

It will now be taken to COP26 in electric vehicles to be shown to delegates from 200 different countries.

Owen said: “For our children to have a role to play at COP26 brings home the importance of understanding climate change, and our responsibility to do something about it.”

In addition to the project, the school is also looking to create solar panels from moth sculptures in the future. This work is part of a whole school approach helping to ensure that all children understand the topic and that it runs through all subject areas.

The school is also working alongside researchers at the University of Exeter and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, creating scratch meals to help the children to understand where food comes from, together with understanding the importance of using local and seasonal food wherever possible.