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Epping St. John's School's Eco-Team recreated their very own COP26 Conference hosted at St John’s church on Tuesday, November 2nd.

Multiple students from across years 7,8,9 and 13 were joined by more than 100 primary school children from Epping Primary, St. Andrews, Epping Upland and Coopersale & Theydon Garnon who learnt about a variety of climate related issues.

Several weeks before the event, the students created a series of stations around five major topics- COP26, plastic pollution, carbon emissions, climate change and biodiversity loss (animal extinction and habitat loss). Each station had a series of posters, a presentation by the students and an activity for the primary kids to engage with. Activities included working out the carbon emissions of different vehicles and guessing the amount of plastic in our pets and inside us. 

Pupils were informed about COP26 and each made a pledge about what they will do to help combat the climate crisis.

One particular station was available for students to suggest laws for leaders at COP26 to pass and a place where they could reflect on what they could do in the future.

Mr Johns, who leads the Eco-Team said: “All the visiting teachers were impressed with how knowledgeable and communicative our students were and I got a real sense that many of the children were leaving with new ideas for how they can contribute to protecting our planet.

“I was hugely impressed with the passion and determination of our students, who ran this almost entirely on their own.

“They were so excited and pleased to be making an impact and drawing attention to these vital topics, at this pivotal time.”

A visiting teacher said: “It was so beautifully put together with lots of interactive things for the children to do. They have lots to talk to their classes about.”

The Reverend Olivia Maxfield-Coote, who co-ordinated the event at the church said: "The day was a great success. The students from ESJ Eco-Team impressed everyone with their knowledge and passion and with their leadership abilities. 

"They were a delight, and certainly gave me a bit of hope for the future of creation. 

"Climate concern is one of the priorities across our Team and we are currently working towards ensuring that each of our churches attains 'eco- friendly status'. Currently All Saints, Epping Upland has received a silver award and St John's has been awarded a bronze award. I hope that the Epping Team can work alongside ESJ on this important issue again soon.”