Dorchester schoolgirl appointed to shape national curriculum
10-year-old Isla Lester is one of 25 invited to develop the first eco-schools programme.
A schoolgirl from Dorchester is among 25 children invited to join the first national eco-schools committee.
Isla Lester from Dorchester Middle School will help shape the National Curriculum and develop an eco-school programme.
The Eco-Schools Committee is the first of its kind nationally, run by a programme that offers resources to help schools teach about climate change.
Isla told Greatest Hits Radio:
"I feel like it should be in the curriculum because I feel like schools are the biggest place to reach out to children.
"Young children should do it because it almost shows that children can lead the way, and they're passionate.
"Children don't normally get to speak for themselves sometimes. So I feel like it's better if children can lead the way so it shows that we're responsible to speak for ourselves."
Isla's environmental career hasn't just started here though, she's met with then-Environment Minister, Micheal Gove about a plastic bottle scheme, as well as being a driving force within the Plastic Free Dorchester campaign.
Since joining Dorchester Middle School Isla has taken part in the CPRE Litter in Lockdown study, speaking at an online event attended by Environment Minister Rebecca Pow MP, Cat Chapman, co-author of the ‘Litter in lockdown’ study and Feral Clark MP, member of the Environmental Audit Committee. She appeared on ITV News speaking about litter in lockdown, in particular about the high number of disposable masks being discarded. Isla has also helped to reestablish her middle school's eco-club and is a regular contributor.
Isla said:
"I want them to learn most of it because of course we want the teachers to know all about eco, but for the teachers to know about eco and bring it on to the students, that would be even better.
"I feel like students should know the full image."