A WOKINGHAM school hosted its fourth Mock COP, with hands-on experiences for students, and global negotiation simulations.
An environmental event hosted by Holme Grange School featured global negotiations, with sessions on enhancing ambition, actions and resolutions, a climate action fayre, question time, and reflections.
“As part of Mock COP29, we focused on learning to understand what is happening across the world and how climate change is affecting others,” said Leanne Hughes, organiser and sustainability lead at Holme Grange School.
“We mirrored the actual COP29 in Baku as closely as we could by setting up a conference room in our Caudwell Hall.”
As world leaders meet at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Holme Grange’s Mock COP offered students their own version of this summit.
Delegates explored global challenges while inspiring local action, guided by facilitators from the InterClimate Network, and Professor of Ocean and Earth Observation Chris Merchant from the University of Reading.
While senior students led negotiations, the rest of Holme Grange, from early years, through to Year 11, immersed themselves in workshops exploring themes from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Local groups and businesses Maya’s Refillables, Spencers Wood Repair Café, What on Earth, Thomas Franks, Mini Nature Artists, and the University College of Estate Management enriched the day with their practical expertise.
During hands-on workshops, students had the opportunity to build bird boxes from donated materials, create bio cars using compostable polystyrene, and join foraging trails led by Mini Nature Artists to construct homes for forest animals of their choice.
“Mock COP29 was not only an opportunity to educate students about climate challenges,” said Leanne, “but also a chance to equip them with the tools to take actionable steps for a better future.
“By embedding sustainability into the heart of our school, Holme Grange is nurturing the next generation of climate leaders ready to turn global challenges into local opportunities and drive a sustainable future.”
