Aberystwyth and Lampeter pupils win Aberystwyth University climate change competition

Pupils from Ysgol Plascrug in Aberystwyth and Ysgol Bro Pedr in Lampeter have won a climate change competition run by Aberystwyth University.

The competition was part of the University's inaugural Festival of Research, which discussed the challenges of climate change ahead of world leaders gathering in Glasgow in early November for the COP26 summit.

The winners' designs and presentations highlighted the challenges facing the planet.

Year 5 and 6 pupils from Ysgol Plasgrug - Emily Tiley, Ella Worthington, Isabelle Butler, Ovima Vimal - as well as Glesni Rees in year 7 at Ysgol Bro Pedr won the awards for producing the best poster and online presentation on climate change.

Hundreds of school pupils from years 5 to 8 took part in the competition and were tasked with producing a poster that discussed climate change and what we can do daily and locally to help mitigate its impact.

They also had to give a virtual presentation of their ideas to University staff.

Following their success, Emily, Ella, Isabelle, Oriya and Glesni have won a trip on the University research boat.

Reacting to their success, Ceris Jones, a teacher at Ysgol Bro Pedr in Lampeter, said:

“Congratulations to all the pupils who took part in the competition. Thank you to the University for creating the opportunity for us as a school to discuss these crucial issues.”

Headmaster of Ysgol Plascrug in Aberystwyth Berian Huw Lewis said:

“Discussing the environment is something of great interest to our young people. The pupils have enjoyed learning more about the challenge we all face. It is great that the University has run this project, which has been of great benefit to the pupils.”

Dr Siân Lloyd-Williams, Research Director of the School of Education at Aberystwyth University added:

“Many congratulations to all the pupils who took part in the competition, and to the winners. The standard was very high, with many posters that were creatively and effectively designed. In addition, it was evident that the pupils had fun exploring this topic and there was a lot of information available on the various posters.

“As international leaders gather in Britain to discuss global action, it is extremely important that young people are at the centre of the debate and the considerations. Climate change is the biggest challenge facing our planet, and as a University we are committed to undertaking research that helps develop solutions for the real world.

“One of the main aims of our Research Festival is to engage with local communities as well as share ideas and insights. We want to promote a positive dialogue between our university and the wider community. We hope this competition has raised awareness amongst our young people locally of the challenges we face as a planet.”

The winners will be featured on the Aled Hughes Program on BBC Radio Cymru on the morning of Monday 1 November.

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