We are thrilled to share that C Change NW, one of the Arts Council England Creativity Collaboratives and part of the HFCMAT family, has been awarded the Creativity in Schools Award from the Global Institute of Creative Thinking. This international recognition celebrates the incredible impact of the Changemakers Project, a program empowering students to become “agents of change” through creativity, sustainability, and climate action.

The Changemakers Project: Creativity Meets Climate Action

At the heart of the Changemakers Project is a mission to embed Creative Habits of Mind into everyday learning. By nurturing skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, students are equipped to tackle some of the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time.

A standout feature of the project is its partnership with Chester Zoo, where students take part in Zoo Takeover Days. These special events allow students to become “zoo rangers for a day,” presenting conservation topics to visitors and sharing their ideas for a sustainable future. This hands-on learning not only inspires students but also engages the wider community in important conversations about conservation and sustainability.

Empowering Young Voices

Beyond the zoo, C Change NW empowers students to showcase their learning through a range of impactful activities:
–  COP-style events, where students present their ideas to their communities.
– Sustainable art exhibitions, featuring student-led creations highlighting environmental themes.
– Green careers fairs, introducing young people to opportunities in sustainability-focused professions.

These initiatives provide students with a platform to share their voices and demonstrate that age is no barrier to making a difference. As one student said, “Some people think we can’t do anything because we are children. But we can. We can make a difference.”

 

Reflecting on this international accolade, Emily Reid, Assistant Headteacher at St Bernard’s RC Primary School and Creativity Collaborative Lead and Professor Bill Lucas, Director of the Centre for Real-World Learning, have championed the transformative power of creativity in education.

In their statement, C Change shared:
“C Change are delighted to have been awarded the ‘Creative Thinking in Education for Climate Action Award’ from the Global Institute of Creative Thinking. We are passionate about creativity and sustainability and are proud of the great work that is happening across our schools. Our partnership with Chester Zoo has been a core part of this as we work together to prevent extinction, and it’s fantastic to have what we do recognised internationally.”

This award not only celebrates the incredible work happening across our schools but also serves as a reminder of the power of young people to drive change. By embedding creativity and sustainability into education, C Change NW is paving the way for a brighter, greener future.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this transformative project—your dedication is truly making a global impact!

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