An education curriculum in Morecambe Bay inspired by the Eden Project will take a major step forward thanks to new funding.
The Morecambe Bay Curriculum (MBC) will receive more than £65,000 from Lancaster University’s widening participation fund to enable local teachers and academics to come together and map the themes of ‘sustainability’ and ‘place’ onto the National Curriculum.
Launched in 2019, by founding partners Lancaster and Morecambe College and Lancaster University, the MBC project was inspired by Eden Project Morecambe.
The curriculum aims to ensure that the different stages of the education system, from early years to postgraduate, provide the green skills, knowledge and behaviours required by industry to respond to the climate emergency.
The new funding was announced at a special event at Lancaster University on July 3 when teachers from all over the district gathered to celebrate the success of the MBC so far.
The evening included a series of engaging round-table discussions, inspiring talks and information stands delivered by teachers, academics and special guests.
Key speakers were Si Bellamy OBE, the Chief Activation Officer for the Eden Project, who gave an update on Eden Project Morecambe, Professor Mike Berners-Lee, a carbon footprint expert from Lancaster University, who gave the keynote address.
Headteacher at Ryelands Primary and Nursery School Mrs Linda Pye and the Strategic Lead for the South Lakes Federation, Dr Alison Wilkinson, who both chair MBC working groups, spoke about the future direction of the MBC.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement at Lancaster University Sarah Kemp, who made the funding announcement at the celebratory event, said: “We are delighted that the University’s funding will support academic colleagues and local educators to translate cutting edge research into everyday teaching around the Bay.
‘’We are committed to working alongside partners in order to enable young people to gain the agency, knowledge and skills needed to for the future of our planet.”
The Morecambe Bay Curriculum is supported and delivered by teachers, early years practitioners, academics, health professionals, the community and business leaders who recognise that a collective approach is key to tackling the climate crisis and creating opportunities for young people.
Principal of Lancaster and Morecambe College and Chair of the MBC Partnership Board Wes Johnson said: “The evening celebrated all the amazing work by educators and the community who, since the initial idea of the Morecambe Bay Curriculum emerged in early 2019, came together with a desire to revolutionise future educational opportunities for our young people.
‘’This was inspired and enabled by passionate community members and the beautiful area in which we study, work and live.
“The MBC brings together the desire to ensure all young people in our area have great opportunities to progress to sustainable, fulfilling careers with our fantastic local employers and the emerging ‘green skills’ economy. We are privileged to have Morecambe Bay as our classroom from where we can all explore and value our environment. This unique initiative has prompted a groundswell of remarkable collaborative projects.”
These projects include:
Eden Bear – who captures everyday stories of children’s lives and their aspirations and dreams for the future of Morecambe Bay
Little Researchers – Lancaster University students supporting primary eco-councils to undertake research about their local area
Educate to Plate – development of a community garden at Lancaster and Morecambe College which supports learners to understand how we can all grow food in a sustainable way
The funding will ensure that participating schools around the Bay can focus on sustainability and place alongside the National Curriculum.
The MBC’s four main focus areas are:
Mental and physical health – longer, healthier and more positive lives for everyone in Morecambe Bay
Work and local economy – sustainable, inclusive, economic growth and jobs across Morecambe Bay
Place and environment – caring for the eco-systems of Morecambe Bay
People and community – pride in where we live and the communities around Morecambe Bay
With this funding in place, the Morecambe Bay Curriculum team will look forward to continuing this important work to help future generations, businesses and the whole community.
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's most memorable Morecambe moments
Meeting will rally business community together after shock Lancaster bakery closure
INTERVIEW: Award-winning festival set to celebrate Italy in Lancaster
Lancaster MP welcomes return of mobile phone coverage
INTERVIEW: Historic Heysham pub to reopen as new management aims to 'bring community together'
Traffic diverted as Lancaster quay closed for rail bridge works
Caravan fire in Morecambe spreads to two other vehicles
Morecambe's two bathing beaches receive Seaside Awards amid calls to improve water quality
Lancaster remains best university in North West England in Complete University Guide
'Music with the Mayor' initiative launched to support North Lancashire’s Citizens Advice
DIARY: Beyond Radio presenter fighting cancer continues his '60 Before 60' challenge
BIG FIGHT COUNTDOWN: Tyson Fury's father John headbutts Usyk supporter ahead of undisputed heavyweight title fight
Decision to refuse Galgate housing scheme planning permission upheld following public inquiry
INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024
INTERVIEW: Lancaster prison officer backed by Tyson Fury wins sport contest ahead of Miss England bid
VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Lancaster schoolboy, 10, makes drum 'n' bass DJ debut at Lancaster festival
Highest Point 'Lancaster Rocks' night cancelled due to thunderstorms warning
Quad bike rider dies after road crash in Morecambe
Morecambe guesthouse couple to star on reality TV show 'Four in a Bed'
PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one
