Expanding “Architects of Change”

Building upon the notable achievements of Phase II of the Architects of Change, which successfully delivered environmental and sustainable workshops to Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 schools in the Belfast city region, the project team also earned the Distinguished Collaborative Education Excellence Fellowship from Ulster University in recognition of the significant work accomplished by faculty members who have elevated the standard of exceptional teaching and learning assistance.

With ongoing support from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and under the direction of a new project lead with a doctorate in emotional geography, the Architects of Change Phase III workshops aim to further develop on these achievements.

Phase III commenced on November 15, 2023, and will continue until June 2024 to successfully deliver a total of 36 workshops. However, the focus will now be on six primary schools in the Northwest region of Northern Ireland, including Rathlin Island, catering to students aged 7–11 (KS2). These workshops continue to educate KS2 children on subjects like climate change, pollution, and carbon footprints in keeping with successful workshops delivered in Phase II through artistic expression, worksheets, practical exercises, and interactive games to teach sustainability.

However, the addition of a new Architects of Change research assistant who specialises in human geography will also encourage the children to work together to foster, appreciate, and protect their local communities. Along with the importance of encouraging environmental sustainability practices in children, the workshops also aim to instil in children a sense of placemaking and community engagement, foster their appreciation for the environment, and promote environmental preservation and stewardship practices.

To date, during the mid-workshop delivery, Phase III has delivered and completed 16 workshops in Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry with great success, taking place both within schools and at the Ulster University campuses in Coleraine and Magee. There have already been outstanding comments received from KS2 teachers, and there have been numerous requests for the workshop to be repeated at their schools in 2025.

But more importantly, the children have actively participated and shown great enthusiasm in each workshop. Demonstrating remarkable artistic expression and sustainable ideas through their artwork and workshop activities and a newfound awareness to protect not only their environment but also to respect and appreciate their local communities. They are also looking forward to the biodiversity nature walk with other schools in May. The day-long event will enable the children to interact outdoors and learn about biodiversity and the coexistence of natural systems. It will also provide a pleasant and relaxed setting for the project's conclusion, enhancing children's awareness of the local natural resources.