Oxfordshire Schools Sustainability Network
Bringing students and teachers together to discuss responses and solutions to sustainability challanges.
"OxSSN rejuvenated my motivation for climate careers and it was really inspiring talking to university students and professionals in the field. Events like this one are so important for connecting climate movements across schools and organisations!"
Individuals between 14 and 18 years old from Oxfordshire schools can sign up here with parental/guardian permission. Teachers bringing groups can email kim@oxfordearthacademy.org, let us know that you’d like to come, and an estimate of how many students you’d like to bring.
"Really useful talking to students ho can tell me about various careers that they are thinking of to do with ecology and conservation. Also comforting knowing it's normal to be unsure at this point about what i want to do, and that I'll be able to drift around and try out various fields. Everyone was really friendly and encouraging" Student attending the discussions with Undergraduates in May 2024
ABOUT OxSSN
OxSSN is led by Phoebe Mortimer, Sustainability Lead for the River Learning Trust and an English teacher at Cheney School in Oxford; Megan Murray-Pepper, until recently a teacher and sustainability campaigner at Magdalen College School, and now independent sustainability educator; and Kim Polgreen, a sustainability educator.
Our purpose is to support school students in the face of the climate and biodiversity challenge they face in their lives; to help them understand, prepare, and find a role within the future economy. We are running events to bring the students together, to share thoughts, ideas, and learning.
"this was a good opportunity to get to chat with people with deep interest in climate change but in wide aspects. It shows me that climate change inter-connects with so many stuffs, emphasising the scale of its impact and the need of involvement from many stakeholders. I hope there will be more activities. Hoping that today's event will reflect that there are students that are keen on this topic and wish that they can make some changes." Student attending the May 2024 discussions with undergraduates.
Events so far this school year (2023 - 4)
Managing mental health when learning about climate change
The Climate Psychologists discussed good approaches to engaging with the climate change discussions without losing your cool.
Climate communication skills and the BBC
The Climate Psychologists were back with the BBC in tow to discuss good communication skills for discussing climate issues with those who are less convinced that you are.
Oxfordshire Nature Recovery Strategy - youth consultation
Facilitators from Oxford County Council came to discuss the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy with OxSSN students and hear their views.
Meeting undergraduates
Discussions with members of the Oxford University Climate Society and Nature Conservation Society about university courses, career ideas, student societies and more.
OxSSN is part of the award winning UKSSN which is a UK wide network of networks, currently encompassing 12 regional networks and creating fantastic opportunities for school students, enabling them to participate in the public discourse around climate and biodiversity.
We are really grateful for support from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Wolfson College, and the School of Geography and Environment.
Where and When
For 2023-24, meetings are after school, usually 4.15pm - 6pm. Our current indoor venue is the East Lab at the Oxford University School of Geography and Environment. The building entrance is in the University Science Area on Hinshelwood Road accessed from South Parks Road.
To get on our mailing list, email kim.polgreen@oxfordearthacademy.org.