Students at St Mary’s Catholic College in Wallasey have solidified their roles as local environmental leaders, showcasing a series of innovative biodiversity projects during a recent visit from Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle, MP for Wallasey. The visit served as a platform for the students to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of their participation in the ‘Changemaker Project,’ an ambitious initiative operated by the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT).
The Changemaker Project, a collaborative venture developed in partnership with Chester Zoo and the University of Manchester, is designed to move beyond traditional classroom learning. By bringing together young eco-councillors from across the Trust, the initiative provides students with direct access to environmental experts and educational resources, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
During her tour of the school, Dame Angela Eagle engaged directly with the students, who presented their findings and outlined the specific strategies they have implemented to foster biodiversity within the school grounds. The discussions highlighted a sophisticated understanding of ecological challenges, reflecting the intensive training and collaborative problem-solving skills the students have developed throughout the program.
The project’s impact is evident in the changes made to the St Mary’s campus, where students have taken the lead in transforming their immediate environment to better support local flora and fauna. By translating their learning from sessions at Chester Zoo into action, these young champions have demonstrated that environmental stewardship is not merely a long-term goal for the future, but a series of actions that can be initiated today.
Reflecting on the progress made by the students, Dame Angela Eagle noted the critical role that young people play in the global climate conversation. “It’s always a pleasure to pay a visit to St Mary’s,” she said. “The changemakers at St Mary’s should be proud of the work they’re doing to improve the natural world in and around their school. I know young people in Wallasey and across the country care deeply about environmental protection and biodiversity. They want to live in a world where we respect and protect our environment.”
For the leadership at St Mary’s and the wider Trust, the success of the project is a testament to the students’ agency. Mr. Kevin Maddocks, Headteacher at St Mary’s, praised the pupils for their confidence and enthusiasm. “The visit was a real opportunity to celebrate their hard work and enthusiasm, and we are very proud of the way they are embracing their role as young environmental champions,” he stated.
The CEO of HFCMAT, Mr. Andy Moor, echoed these sentiments, framing the project as an essential component of modern education. “At HFCMAT, our ambition is for every child and young person to thrive in an ever-changing world,” Moor said. “The Changemaker Project is a great example of this ambition in action. It is important that our young people understand that their actions matter, and we are proud to see them taking such a positive approach to protecting the world around them.”
As the students continue to refine their projects, the Changemaker initiative serves as a blueprint for how academic institutions can cultivate a sense of civic and environmental responsibility. By empowering students to think critically about sustainability, St Mary’s Catholic College is not only enhancing its own biodiversity but also fostering a generation of informed, proactive citizens ready to advocate for the natural world.
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