Our Andrew Simpson Centres are offering an exciting new Sustainability Programme for schools and groups. The programme is designed to help young people gain a greater understanding of the natural world and give them the skills and knowledge to be more environmentally aware.

Our aim is to empower young people to be able to make positive choices for the environment and themselves. Just under 66% of young people in the UK say that they are concerned about climate change with 28% admitting that they feel “overwhelmed” by it, according to a 2024 YouGov poll. Many state that they feel they can do nothing about it as an individual. Our sessions aim to reduce this eco-anxiety by providing knowledge of issues and how they can combat them as an individual. Each session provides a fun and engaging approach to learning, so participants are left feeling positive.

The Sustainability Programme runs over 6 sessions and gradually introduces participants to different environmental issues using hands-on learning. We cover topics such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss; giving the students an opportunity to explore each topic outside of the classroom and come up with creative ways to help combat these issues. Throughout the programme participants have the opportunity to develop scientific fieldwork skills to enrich their learning. These include water sampling, scientific data collection, data analysis and ecological survey techniques.

Being situated at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy provides a unique learning environment. Access to the pontoons and slipways allows students to experience hands on representation of marine ecosystems. We take a practical approach to introducing students to our local wildlife and habitats. The focus is on not only providing scientific knowledge but also demonstrating the positive impacts outdoor spaces can have on our mental and physical health. In Dorset we are lucky to have some vital and unique habitats, including the extensive seagrass beds right here in Portland Harbour. They learn how these habitats can provide homes for wildlife and how they can help humans too.

Our sessions support the National Curriculum (KS2) and general scientific understanding (KS3), to help students excel in science lessons at school. Taking part in field work can help develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, problem solving and effective communication. Providing this opportunity will inspire students to consider career pathways they may not have discovered yet.