Every year, hundreds of school students from across the UK visit the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) to see sustainable solutions in action.

For over four decades, CAT has been inspiring people of all ages to imagine and create a more sustainable future, but few schools can match the legacy of Solefield School in Kent. 

An inspiring day out at CAT 

Now in its 40th year, the school’s annual trip to CAT has become a much-loved part of the Year 7 curriculum, offering a chance to step out of the classroom and experience sustainability brought to life. 

“Coming to CAT allows students to see sustainability in real life,” says Kevin Farmery, Head of Science at Solefield. “I can teach them all of this in the science lab, but here they get to see it come to life. That makes a real impact. They might forget a diagram or a definition, but a year later, they’re still talking about what they saw and did here.” 

From learning about renewable energy systems and low-impact building methods to exploring composting, water use, and energy conservation, students are introduced to real-world examples of how we can reduce our environmental impact and live more sustainably. 

“We asked CAT to tailor the day to focus on key ideas like renewable energy, how buildings can retain heat, composting, and growing your own food,” Kevin explains. “The tour we had this year, led by Joel, was excellent. It really highlighted the practical ways people are reducing energy use in homes-like using 45cm of insulation to cut heating demand by a factor of ten. These are the kinds of ideas that stick with students.” 

As well as a guided tour of CAT’s unique site, the students took part in a hands-on wind power workshop – connecting classroom learning with real-world problem solving. These interactive experiences are designed to spark curiosity and give young people the tools to think differently about the future. 

The effects are long-lasting

“One student came back to me years after this trip to say it had inspired him to pursue sustainable engineering,” Kevin recalls. “He’s since gone on to study Sustainable Engineering at University and is now fully qualified and doing well in the field.” 

The visit inspires teachers too. “Every year I come, I learn something new,” Kevin says. “And I take that back into the classroom, weaving it into how I teach. It also influences how I live. I’ve created three composting areas in my garden, grow veg, and fertilise using my own compost. That mindset has grown from my experiences at CAT.” 

By providing a space where young people can see sustainable ideas in action and connect them to their own lives, CAT helps inspire the next generation of changemakers. With each visit, the ripple effects spread – to schools, homes, communities, and careers. 

Bring your school to CAT 

To explore how your school can benefit from a visit to CAT, including tailored tours and workshops any age class, visit cat.org.uk/groups-learning or email education@cat.org.uk.