Cap-a-Pie has partnered with local schools, Newcastle University’s Special Collections and North East Museums to deliver a creative, research-informed project exploring coal mining, climate change and the future of energy. 

Students begin by learning about the region’s coal mining past, using artefacts from Newcastle University’s Special Collections including illustrated stories, first-hand accounts and historical colliery plans to spark questions. 

What starts with pickaxes and pit ponies ends with bold ideas for a greener future, all imagined by young people. Here’s what happened when we took our Coal Mining and Climate Change project to North East schools. 

In four lessons 

1. The basics of coal mining 

Students explored what coal mining involved – how it was mined, the jobs done by children, and why coal powered the region for generations. Rare archival items from Newcastle University brought this history vividly to life. 

2. Safety vs progress 

Would you prioritise innovation or workers’ safety? Students debated both sides and looked at what lessons still apply today. 

3. Climate change and heatwaves 

We unpacked the science of extreme weather and the role fossil fuels have played in driving it. 

4. A just transition 

What would a fairer, more sustainable future look like? Students imagined new worlds, new jobs and new energy systems. 

Heard in the classroom 

“Brad is a big ball of energy – climate change is a sad topic, but he makes it fun.” 
“Drama sticks in your head – you’re not stuck in a chair learning it.” 
“Ali from the university had a big brain. Knew lots. Always had an answer – even for my treehouse question!” 
“It’s not just learning – it stays inside you. You live it.” 

Even the most reserved students joined in with confidence, and many showed real progress in how they explained ideas – especially around fairness, impact and decision-making. 

Co-created and research-informed 

This project was developed in collaboration with: 

• Dr Alistair Ford (Newcastle University) 

• Meryl Batchelder, Climate Educator 

• Peter Stark, Activist and Researcher 

• Newcastle University Special Collections Education Outreach Team 

“You could really feel it when things started to click – when students made connections between the past and the future. They were asking great questions and thinking deeply.” Katy Vanden, Producer, Cap-a-Pie 

“It was amazing to see how confidently students reasoned and asked questions. Even the quietest voices found a way in through drama.” Brad McCormick, Artistic Director, Cap-a-Pie 

“The confidence is there. The creativity shines through. And the learning sticks.” 
Gareth Lord, Classroom Teacher, Hotspur Primary 

This approach encouraged students to engage critically and creatively with both historical material and contemporary climate research. 

For some, it was the first time they’d connected school subjects like science or history to their own lives and futures. With help from Newcastle University’s Education Outreach Team, they could see how stories from the past still shape decisions today. 

Want to know more? 

• Explore our teacher resources on this project 

• Find out how Newcastle University Education Outreach Team can support your teaching.