The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce’s Education Challenge is back this year with a topical and crucial focus on Climate Change and Student Voice.

There were many excellent ideas from students in the Challenge’s three years prior to Covid and many of them have come to fruition – and, in some cases, very similar ideas are still being considered. They include water fountains and more electric car points in the city centre, work to improve the area near the Rail station and Fisherton Street,  yes – encouraging  Primark to come to Salisbury …..and much more! There was even an idea for a Monorail in Salisbury with connections to Salisbury District Hospital!

Fran Nobis, Assistant Headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic School commented:

“The Education Challenge is an important and integral part of the Year 9 PSHE curriculum at St Joseph’s, and staff are looking forward to supporting students develop their ideas with regard to this year’s focus on Climate Change. It’s their planet and the next generation are passionate about saving it.”

After a phased return last year – though with notable entries from St Joseph’s Catholic School, Sarum Academy and Leehurst Swan School – the Challenge will now extend to local primary schools for the first time and with the opportunity to hear the voices and ideas from an even younger age group.

Matthew Kitley,  Headteacher of Woodlands Primary School,  welcomes the involvement of primary students

“This is an exciting opportunity for primary school students. There couldn’t be a better time to start involving the next generation in such a project”

For the Chamber, it is important that young people’s voices are heard and if possible that their ideas can be acted upon.  After all, it has been said that they are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change but the last generation who can do anything about it!

As elsewhere, it can be said that much is already happening in Salisbury and the surrounding area, from individuals and families to businesses and action and planning by the City and County Councils. Groups such as Salisbury Transition City and the Wiltshire Climate Alliance are also actively pursuing their own objectives.

However, Acting Chamber President Dan Rhind-Tutt, makes the point that here, as elsewhere, there is scope to do so much more.  

“The young people and their voice can be at the centre with their ideas of what we can do as individuals, families, businesses and public organisations. We can all work together and get across many of the simple messages and actions on climate change to many more people.

We must convince the sceptics and those who think it is someone else’s problem. Salisbury can be a beacon and example to other cities and communities.”

The Challenge will run for this academic year with entries accepted until the deadline of the end of May 2023. A panel of judges will then look at all entries and hear presentations from the finalists.

It is expected that funding will be available to enable the best ideas to be taken forward.

For further information, please contact the Chamber’s Education Adviser, Peter Thompson at [email protected]