Pupils at Greenmeadow Primary School took part in a hands‑on renewable energy workshop and learning how solar power is generated.
The school is one of six in Torfaen to have funded the new equipment, with training delivered by Solar for Schools.
Members of the school’s Eco Committee explored how electricity is produced and discussed clean energy alternatives including wind, solar and hydropower.
Working in small groups, pupils were given engineering and assembly roles and built the Solar Explorer kit from scratch.
Using a lightbulb to simulate sunlight, they were able to see how a solar panel converts light into electricity to power LEDs and other components. The kit will now be used outdoors so pupils can repeat the process using natural sunlight.
‘It was fun’
Year 6 pupil Finley said: “I loved helping to build the kit. It was fun learning about all the different appliances we use every day and how many watts they need to work.”
Year 5 pupil Lois said: “My favourite part was trying out the solar kit in different types of light. It was really cool seeing how it can still make energy.”
The Eco Committee will share what they have learned with pupils and staff across the school so the kit can be used in lessons throughout the year.
Claire Moses, the school’s headteacher, said: “At Greenmeadow, we are incredibly proud of our proactive and passionate Eco Committee, who meet every week to help make our school as environmentally friendly as possible.
“[the] Solar Explorer training was extremely informative and provided our pupils with valuable, hands‑on STEM learning that brings the national curriculum to life. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for them to see real‑world sustainability in action.”
Cllr Richard Clark said: “Workshops like these equip our young people with the knowledge and confidence to tackle the climate emergency head on, helping them understand how everyday choices and innovative technology can make a real difference.
“School days like this really bring our Not In, Miss Out school attendance campaign to life, and reinforces the message that showing up to school really matters, every day in class gives pupils more opportunities to learn, take part, and thrive.”
Invest to Save scheme
Greenmeadow Primary is one of 14 Torfaen schools that joined the Invest to Save scheme in 2023. A council press release said 12kW of solar panels were installed on the school roof, reducing its on‑grid energy use by 27%, saving an estimated £8,300.
Other Torfaen schools that have purchased the Solar Explorer kits include the Federation of Blenheim Road and Coed Eva Primary Schools, Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary, St Albans RC High School and Woodlands Community Primary.