Young eco-warriors delivered a powerful message when their school hosted a thought-provoking exhibition highlighting some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The 9 Earths installation has temporarily arrived at St Teresa’s Catholic Primary in Heaton, featuring nine 3D models of the planet, each representing a different aspect of climate change. Alongside the models, 11 information boards offer further insight, encouraging visitors to reflect on these issues and consider the actions needed to tackle them.
“All of our classes viewed the exhibition with their class teachers the morning following its arrival,” said Forest School Leader and Classroom Assistant Tracy Bell, who co-leads the school’s Eco Club and organised the visit from the exhibition.
“The information boards were read by the teacher and discussed as a class. It has been emotive and inspiring to visually see what is happening to our wonderful planet and what we can do to help reverse the process.”
St Teresa’s is also keen to spread the climate-change message further. Inspired by the exhibition, pupils are preparing a presentation for an open evening to be held next month, with the support of Ms Bell, the Eco Club, and Mike Domingue.
A Green Party town councillor for Hexham, Mr Domingue is co-creator of 9 Earths, along with Leeds-based artist Paul Digby. Others involved in the project include Joe Coroneo-Seaman, an environmental journalist and writer at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute; retired science teacher and education advisor John Seaman; and ‘Tynedale Bicycle Mayor’ David Dixon, who is a retired headteacher and a sustainability consultant for schools in the North East.
“I have started a lunch club, as some of the children wanted to start reflecting and creating for our open evening, which is happening on 5 February,” continued Ms Bell.
“It is for the children, parents, and wider community, hopefully bringing everyone together to further educate families about our one and only planet.”
The school, which is part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, launched its Eco Club for Key Stage 2 pupils in 2024.
“Our aims are to educate and complete actions independently for our school and community, as well as working with outside agencies when possible,” explained Ms Bell.
“The children are thinking about the world they live in, completing tasks to help our environment, and provoking important discussions regarding their future, as well as spending time outdoors.”
I was totally on board as soon as I received the flyer about the 9 Earths installation,” she added.
“I contacted the organiser, and, luckily, they were looking for a home the following week.
“We have the exhibition set up in our school hall until half term, and then we are looking for a school, preferably within our trust, to house it next, if any are interested.
“It is an amazing, powerful, and thought-provoking piece.”
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