Activists in Lewisham have been out in their hundreds to protest against climate change as part of the global School Strike 4 Climate.

Pupils of all ages have picked up their placards to march on Parliament Square – with some Lewisham schools offering their full support.

Children all around the world have been inspired by Swedish teenager and climate activist Greta Thunberg, who has been striking from school every Friday since August 2018 to lobby the government on global warming.

Sue Harte, headteacher of John Stainer Community Primary School in Brockley, told News Shopper how teachers took 16 school council members up to Westminster this morning to protest.

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Photo: Sue Harte

“It was an amazing day,” the headteacher of 18 years said.

“The school council had been learning about British values and democracy, and the democratic right to protest, and they wanted to go on the march.

“It was something they felt strongly about.”

As well as the 16 council members aged between seven and 11, Ms Harte estimated about 100 parents at the school also took their children to central London to join the march.

“The parents were so supportive. I have not had one single negative comment.”

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Photo: Sue Harte

After a morning of marching, the pupils are now back at school writing up their experience for the school website.

“The children were so articulate and sensible. They exercised their democratic right really well,” the headteacher said.

“I’m really proud of them all – they were wonderful.”

John Stainer pupils have been studying climate change as part of their school curriculum in geography and science.

Pupils also have the option to join an after school club which allows them to learn about and debate climate change.

Ms Harte thinks the pupils’ activism will continue to grow as school strikes strengthen around the world.

“It’s the children’s democratic right,” she told News Shopper.

While the next generation of activists marched up to parliament, the roads of Brockley were also occupied with climate change protesters.

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Protesters who appeared to be from Extinction Rebellion occupied Brockley Road

A photo shared on the I Love SE4 Facebook group showed traffic being held up on Brockley Road by activists who appeared to be representing the Extinction Rebellion movement.