What is 'Our Schools, Our World'?

OSOW is a Devon climate change, sustainability and environmental education programme in partnership with the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere and Lot's Go Zero 2030. Planet & People CIC are the delivery partners rolling the programme out in Devon schools. We work to empower schools to embed environmental best practice throughout. 

Starting out as ‘Our City Our World’ this pioneering programme, initially piloted and developed by Brighton & Hove City Council is now being rolled out across the UK as the ‘Our Schools, Our World’ programme. 

This inspiring initiative aims to use the power of education to advance environmental literacy and social engagement to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. We work with young people, educators, community organisations and relevant partners to promote a just and sustainable world where environmental and social responsibility drive individual, institutional, and community choices.

In Devon, the programme is being rolled out by Community Interest Company, Planet & People, spearheaded by teacher and environmentalist team, Jess Carter and Bethia Stevenson-Paul.

A supportive and holistic programme to activate cultural change within your school setting and beyond its borders. 

"We can support your school to satisfy the requirement sof the Department For Education's Strategy for Sustainability and Climate Change"

We recognise that schools are stretched so we provide the support your setting needs to make progress iin your sustainability journey

THE PROGRAMME

Training

We kickstart the programme with an intensive training session for senior leaders in green leadership, curriculum and operations.

Support

We are your partners throughout the programme.

 Impact

 We help you to measure your progress, celebrate and communicate it to a wider audience to amplify your impact. 

SOLUTION

Planet & People use local knowledge and experience to refine and roll out this integrative and holistic approach to sustainability in Devon schools in partnership with the UNESCO North Devon Biosphere. We invite your school to be a part of this flagship programme, joining the growing list of schools that are a part of the ‘Our Schools, Our World’ programme.

What does it involve?

Onboarding: A training day for senior leaders

Planning: Individual school support visits to co-create an action plan for sustainable success

Implementation: The programme is launched over a full academic year with themed sessions, group twilights and bespoke support. 

Celebration: We highlight your progress, impact and next steps. 

It is a supportive network that builds relationships and trust as we share best practices and seek support from each other. 

FAQs

• How long does the programme take?

We run the programme over four terms, although the timing is flexible to allow for the demands of school life.

• How much does it cost?

We want this programme to be accessible to all. We are asking schools to contribute £400 for four terms of support (this cost is heavily subsidised through fundraising), although there are different models that you can choose from to make it cost effective according to your school‘s needs and to make it accessible to all.

• When does it start?

The next cohort starts in Summer Term 2025. Each year, one cohort of up to 40 schools will be recruited on to the programme.

• What happens after the course?

We will work with each school individually to see what the best ‘next step is. Boosting sustainability requires continual progress. 

• What is included in the price?

In person and online training sessions, twilights, resources, website, network, bespoke support, inpact report and recommendations 

• How can I sign up?

If you are keen to know more or would like to sign up for the Summer 2025 cohort, please email Jess on [email protected] - places are limited.