Liverpool: Students shine as stewards of creation at COP30 conference

St John Bosco Arts College students at the mock COP30 conference

Students from St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, proudly represented the school at a local mock COP30 conference where they delivered a presentation to the audience before collectively exploring the urgent climate crisis.

Eight St John Bosco students attended the Archdiocese of Liverpool's mock COP30 conference held at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre and throughout the day took part in a variety of activities that encouraged critical thinking on climate action.

Designed to mirror the 2025 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference, which took place in Brazil between 10 and 21 November, the mock COP30 conference brought together young people from across the Archdiocese's schools to deepen their understanding of environmental stewardship.

As part of the day, students were given a specific country to research and represent. The students of St John Bosco were assigned China, and delivered a five-minute presentation on the country's links to climate change and what it is doing to reduce its impact.

St John Bosco student, Sienna, who presented, said: "It was really challenging presenting to other schools and adults, but I felt we overcame our anxieties and we presented really well. I also learnt so much about China as there are two sides to their climate change story that I never really knew about."

Following the presentations, students participated in a variety of workshops that included learning about climate justice led by Students for Sustainability and also about biodiversity led by the Royal Horticultural Society and National Education Nature Park.

Discussing the day's events, student Philomena, said: "I really enjoyed the day. We were able to work together as a team and really get to understand climate change more and the impacts it will have on our future. The workshops were so interesting, especially the biodiversity one as I love learning about plants and animals around the world."

Another student, Klara, also added: "I had such a great day! It was so interesting to see other schools and work together as young people to look at the impact climate change is going to have on our future. It really tied in with what we are learning in geography at the moment and made me see how geography is so important."

In keeping with the UN's COP30 summit, students engaged in debates and voting activities that helped them understand the power of persuasive dialogue and the role of democracy in addressing global challenges.

Miss Amy Armstrong, subject leader of geography at St John Bosco Arts College, said: "I am extremely proud of the eight students who took part in the Archdiocese's COP30 conference. They demonstrated maturity, confidence and a genuine passion for caring for our common home. They were excellent representatives of St John Bosco and, through their participation, shone as stewards of our environment."

Headteacher, Mr Darren Gidman, added: "Opportunities like this are so important as our young people are the future guardians of the planet. The COP30 conference allowed our students to go beyond the classroom, engage with real-world issues and feel empowered to use their voices to influence positive change."

St John Bosco Arts College is located in Croxteth, Liverpool. The college is an exciting, vibrant and dynamic girls' Catholic comprehensive school with a proud Salesian ethos. Mission statement: 'Together we inspire each other to flourish in faith, hope and love'. For more information, visit: www.stjohnboscoartscollege.com