CAT and the Welsh Bac

Julie Bromilow, Education Officer, Centre for Alternative Technology

The Centre for Alternative Technology is an inspiring research and development centre for sustainability in the beautiful heart of mid Wales. CAT is an active demonstration of how to live more sustainably, with examples of renewable energies, eco buildings, water treatment systems and organic growing in a site teeming with biodiversity.

CAT’s Education Department has been running education for sustainability programmes to support teachers and students of all ages for many years, but an exciting development this academic year has been the increasing number of bookings from WBQ students.

CAT has a well established history with the WBQ. In 2004/5 CAT produced the material for the One World Project by I-Earn which continues to be used by WBQ groups. This includes an activity that demonstrates how familiar everyday items have a wider global impact. In 2005, students from Coleg Meirion Dwyfor in Dolgellau working on their Communication module, produced a film after researching renewable energy at CAT and interviewing one of the Education Officers.

Students from Coleg Gwent at CAT
Students from Coleg Gwent on a recent visit to CAT

Recent WBQ students and teachers have visited CAT as part of the Sustainable Development element of PSE, or to complement the Wales, Europe and the World module. Students find out about the causes and effects of big global problems such as Climate Change and biodiversity loss. They then learn about the solutions on a global, national and domestic scale in a way that informs them of the problems but empowers them with actions they can take as individuals to reduce their impact on the planet.

The Education Department at CAT has developed a number of workshops which teachers can choose from, covering topics such as Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Eco Footprinting, all of which investigate sustainability on a global and local scale. Booking a guided tour of CAT as part of the visit is definitely recommended as it gives students the opportunity to experience tangible examples of sustainable living. Why not consider a residential stay in our Eco Cabins for first hand experience of living with and monitoring the cabins own renewable energy electricity supply!

27.11.07