Project Description

Industry: Green Economy / Learning for Sustainability

Activity Type: Work Inspiration and Preparation / Sector Awareness
Programme: Fife Climate Youth Festival

Name of School: Bell Baxter High School

Businesses involved: Over 40 employers, colleges, universities and environmental organisations

 

More than 170 young people from secondary schools across Fife came together for the first-ever Fife Youth Climate Festival at Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, on 24 September 2025. The event gave pupils from S1–S6 the chance to explore climate action, sustainability and green careers through talks, workshops and employer engagement.

Bell Baxter High School played a leading role in the day. Its Global Goals Captains helped launch the festival, shared the school’s pupil leadership model, and supported the running of the event alongside 25 other young people.

Collaborative Partners

The festival brought together more than 40 stalls showcasing green career pathways, volunteering opportunities and environmental projects. Partners included organisations such as:

• SP Energy Networks
• SEPA
• University of St Andrews
• Forestry and Land Scotland
• Fife College
• Full Stop Period Wear
• Royal Highland Education Trust
• RSPB
• Restoration Forth

 

The event was supported by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and organisations including Edinburgh Napier University, Fife Climate Hub, Climate Action Fife, NHS Fife and Youth First.

Together, these partners helped young people explore the latest innovations in tackling climate change and understand the growing range of opportunities in net zero and climate-related careers.

Programme Aims

The festival aimed to:

• Raise awareness of climate change, sustainability and green careers.
• Give pupils direct access to employers, colleges, universities and environmental organisations.
• Build leadership, confidence and communication skills through pupil-led activity.
• Encourage young people to see how they can help shape a more sustainable future.

 

Activity Overview

Bell Baxter’s Global Goals Captains proudly opened the festival in the Council Chambers, delivering an inspiring speech and leading keynote sessions with confidence and clarity.

They were supported by 25 young people, who developed leadership skills by helping with:

• Timekeeping and ICT support for presentations
• Setting up stalls and displays focused on Learning for Sustainability
• Promoting Fairtrade and fundraising through chocolate sales
• Encouraging visitors to make climate action pledges on the “Butterfly Tree of Hope”

 

In the afternoon, pupils took part in workshops on topics including climate justice, carbon literacy, fast fashion, wind turbines and food and the environment

Some also joined climate conversations with councillors and community leaders, building confidence in expressing their views and influencing change.

Impact and Outcomes

The event gave Bell Baxter pupils a valuable opportunity to develop leadership, public speaking and teamwork skills in a live regional setting. It also helped young people deepen their understanding of sustainability and connect with others who share similar values.

Carron Pour, Global Goals Lead / ASN Teacher, said:

“The event was an amazing leadership opportunity for our young people who presented and helped to run the morning session. The event has benefited our pupils, who have engaged in thought-provoking discussions, taken part in interactive workshops, and connected with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for climate action and sustainability.”

Pupil feedback

Erin, S6: “It’s been an incredibly welcoming event, and it has been so amazing to meet young people with similar values. It’s helped to build my confidence and public speaking skills.”

Shionah, S5: “It’s been a fun and inspiring event, and great for raising awareness around sustainability issues.”

Eilah, S6: “It’s great to get everyone together on the common ground of sustainability. Together, we can all take steps to create a more sustainable future.”

Ashley, S6: “The speakers have all been inspiring. I am aiming to go on to study Marine and Freshwater Biology and the event has helped me to further explore conservation or research related careers.”