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Bradford Waste

Rubbish and Recycling Awareness Programme at City of Bradford MDC

“CragRats are a team that really engage with children and get across a message that otherwise they might miss out on.”

Councillor Anne Hawksworth, Executive Member for Environment, City of Bradford MDC

/challenge

City of Bradford MDC approached CragRats with the task of running one of the largest rubbish and recycling education and awareness raising programmes in the UK. The programme was to be aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils in Bradford. More than 4000 students were to be targeted in over 80 schools. The programme was also used to introduce the newly appointed Environmental Education Officer, Anne Dixon, who would continue the legacy in schools.

/approach

The performance, ‘No Time to Waste’, is a high energy show used to enthuse students and introduce the following topics for discussion:

• How to reduce, reuse and recycle rubbish 
• How citizenship and individual responsibility can really make a difference 
• Why tackling the litter and rubbish problem will help the environment and improve everyone’s quality of life 
• Why we have a growing ‘rubbish problem’ and there really is ‘no time to waste’!

The show (free to schools) was pitched directly at the target age group. Issues were brought to life by 3 actors dressed as a can, a newspaper and a bottle. All shows were followed up in small-group interactive workshops to reinforce the key messages and get the students thinking about their own personal contribution.

/results

• A full qualitative and quantitative evaluation, undertaken by CragRats for City of Bradford MDC, showed that the target group had left the sessions with a much clearer understanding of the issues and a greater sense of personal responsibility for environmental issues
• 97% of pupils said they learnt something new about the environment
• 96% of pupils said they now thought recycling was important, compared to only 74% before the performance
• The young people were encouraged to explore their own behaviours and attitudes and how they might reassess these with this new information in mind
• Young people were given practical tips and advice on how and where to recycle, ways to reduce the amount of rubbish we produce and save energy in the home
• By examining the potential consequences of neglecting the environment, the programme promoted a more understanding culture amongst the young people of Bradford

“I am really glad that CragRats came. I learnt so much. The performance was ace as they talked to us in a way that we are comfy with.” Student, Cottingley Village Primary

“I loved the workshops. I never knew how much you could save!” Student, Russell Hall Primary

“I am very impressed with CragRats. They react well with the children who really sit up and take notice of them. They are the advance party for me, getting the children really interested in the topic.” Anne Dixon, Environmental Education Officer, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

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