Soaking it all up: pupils across the region are loving our Sophie’s lessons!
01st June 2022
Remember those days at school when there’d be a visitor and they’d come in and take a lesson, and you’d remember that day for weeks after? Well, meet Sophie, our Educational Officer who’s bringing that same excitement to primary schools right across Devon and Cornwall. From Land’s End to Lyme Regis, since starting back in October, Soph’s visited 26 schools and taught 2,123 students!
|
Sophie’s heard it all when it comes to saving water. “I don’t need to save water,” Tom*, 6, says, “I only use 3 litres a day!” Ebony, 8, was adamant that it was her sister who was using all the water, “She takes ages in the shower!” “Are we allowed to talk about poo, Miss?” asked one pupil to their teacher. Others are eager to let her know how they think they could save water. “One child suggested they could stop washing altogether,” Sophie laughed. “When I ask the pupils how much water they think they use, the answer is generally about 2-3 litres,” Sophie says. “The odd one might say 50 litres. They think about it, and know they use water for drinking and brushing their teeth. But then I talk through their morning, asking who’d had a shower, who’d done some washing up, and suddenly they realise where else they’ve used water.” |
 |
 |
“The reality that the average household in the UK use 150L every day, is a shock to everyone. It definitely was to me!” When she joined the company, Sophie admits she knew very little about water, the water industry and the affects our water usage is having on the environment. “I think for me, learning why we should save water has been a complete life changer. Did you know, for instance, that it takes 2,700 litres of water to make a T-shirt? And to make a pair of jeans, it takes approximately 8 to 9,000 litres! It’s totally changed the way I shop for clothes now. “The best bit about my role is educating and changing people’s mindset, not only the pupils but teachers as well. The teachers are just as shocked when I tell them different facts and figures. |
|
“This is the great thing about this job, I’m learning and the kids are learning, and then the kids go back home and talk about these things with their parents and then they’re learning. “Knowing that I have made a difference makes every day awesome.” One of the activities that the children take part in is making a pledge of ways they can save water. This can be from turning the tap off when brushing their teeth, using a water butt, thinking about how they buy clothes, and taking shorter showers. “The kids have been really engaged with all the activities – from making their own milk-carton water butts, to colouring and games,” Sophie says. |
 |
*All names have been changed to protect identities
For further information please contact:
Heads up! Sophie is already booking in schools for next academic year – if you’re interested, or know someone who might be, click here for more information.