The pupils were among the first in the country to try a new educational toolkit that highlights the impact of human activity on the environment

Children from Bowes Primary School using VR and (inset) a screenshot from the experience (credit Avantis Education)

Pupils at Bowes Primary School are seeing the dangers of climate change “brought vividly to life” through a unique virtual reality (VR) experience.

Ahead of World Environment Day tomorrow (Thursday 5th), the pupils are among the first in the country to try the ‘Future Forests’ toolkit, a new education resource that highlights the impact of human activity on the environment.

Using ClassVR headsets, the pupils experienced the impact of human activity on the Amazon rainforest across several countries in South America, learning about deforestation and climate change in the process. They are taken on a trip through time to experience alternate futures of the same rainforest.

Joel Hockman, class teacher at Bowes Primary School, said: “The rainforest experience really captured the children’s imagination. They learnt about different plants and animals, some of which they may never have the opportunity to come across.

“All learners were not only fully engaged when using VR, but were also able to talk about their experience in detail. An opportunity of a lifetime that they may not have otherwise experienced!”

The toolkit is the result of a partnership between Avantis Education, creator of ClassVR, the world’s first virtual and augmented reality solution designed exclusively for education and Rainforest Foundation UK. While the most immersive experience comes through ClassVR headsets, the resource is available to all schools via any internet enabled device.

Bowes pupils praised the Future Forests toolkit for being realistic and interactive, describing how it felt like they had really visited the rainforest.

One pupil, Ellie, said: “It’s an amazing experience. The rainforest isn’t near here, so you get to see it.”

Another, Alev, said: “I can’t wait to go back to the rainforest to find out more.”

The Future Forests toolkit was launched at global education technology show Bett 2025 in London earlier this year. It demonstrates how VR can be a powerful tool for fostering emotional engagement and understanding of climate change among pupils.

Gillian Rhodes, chief marketing officer of Avantis Education, said: “With World Environment Day taking place this week, it’s a good time to reflect on the role education can play in raising awareness of environmental issues.

“Climate change is one of the pressing issues of our time, but a recent Department for Education report showed that only a third (34%) of students accurately defined climate change mitigation. By partnering with Rainforest Foundation UK to develop the Future Forests toolkit, we’re helping schools to deliver more impactful lessons on how to mitigate climate change.

“While VR is not a panacea for climate action, it allows students to experience the impacts of climate change in an immersive way, helping them to develop a deeper understanding and sense of urgency to act.

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