In June 2005, npower renewables and education partner CREATE (Centre for Research, Education and Training in Energy) got in touch with primary and secondary schools in the immediate area around Ffynnon Oer, to invite them to take part in a programme of workshops aimed at educating young people about climate change, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
8 primary schools and 2 secondary schools have taken part in the programme of workshops which have been developed in line with the requirements of National Curriculum Key Stages 2 and 3 respectively.
The workshops involved pupils taking part in activities such as performing short plays of how climate change is affecting children around the world, investigating the power of the wind and the sun as renewable energy sources, carrying out energy audits of their school buildings and identifying how energy efficient their neighbourhood is.
One of the two sessions held at Ynysfach Primary School in Resolven was a neighbourhood energy trail. This involved children from Year 4/5 walking around their village to identify different materials used for window frames, roofs and walls. The children heard how cavity walls could be filled for greater heat retention and the benefits of loft insulation.
Y4/5 pupils from Ynysfach Primary School investigate how energy efficient their neighbourhood is.
Walking around the village, the children were very aware of their surroundings and quick to identify the different materials for roofs.
"The world's energy supplies are not unlimited," said Ynysfach Head Teacher Mr Jones. "npower renewables working with CREATE have made the children aware of this fact and the value of energy conservation in an interesting and enjoyable way. The children are now better informed for their future responsibilities in ensuring energy efficient choices."
Councillor Des Davies, council member for Resolven and Chair of Governors at Ynysfach School, joined the pupils to hear about what they had learnt and see their results and ideas.
Councillor Des Davies (centre) hears about energy efficiency from Ynysfach Primary School Y4/5 pupils during their workshop session.
Also pictured with the children are (from left): Y4/5 Teacher Mrs Jones, Head Teacher Mr Jones, Sandy Carter of CREATE and Natasha Williams who is studying for her NVQ in Childcare.
"The children are very enthusiastic about the workshop. I am pleased that npower renewables have sponsored this initiative to teach about the full range of renewable energy options and saving energy at home with double glazing and insulating cavity walls," says Cllr Davies. "In this day and age global warming is more in the news. It is good that young people understand the importance of energy efficiency and the contribution of renewable energy for us all in the future."
Pupils in the Neath Port Talbot area now have their own real-life example of renewable power in action at Ffynnon Oer Wind Farm.
Schools
