TWO more 'school strikes' are being planned for Oxfordshire pupils to draw attention to climate change.
Oxford has already seen two demonstrations on the issue, involving thousands of primary, secondary, sixth form and university students walking out of classes.
Now organisers say they are planning further events on Friday, April 12 and Friday, May 24.
READ MORE: The first strike - all the pictures and reaction
The strikes have divided the community, with some suggesting pupils should never miss class, for educational and safety reasons. An Oxford headteacher claimed that during the first strike, in mid February, some students walked out of classes but did not attend the demonstration.
READ AGAIN: 'Stop acting like kids', protesters demand in second 'school strike'
Others say the ecological crisis is now so urgent that direct action is essential. Oxford environmentalist George Monbiot said the first event was 'the most hopeful thing' he had seen in 30 years of campaigning.
Next week's walk out – timed to coincide with a national day of action – takes place during the Easter holidays, making turnout difficult to predict.
At the first demonstration, as many as 2,000 people filled Bonn Square, before about half as many attended last month.
May's event – set for a crucial period in the academic calendar, when many pupils sit exams – is timed to join another global day of walkouts, inspired by Swedish teen Greta Thunberg.
READ MORE: Oxford divided as headteacher compromises
Oxford Youth Strike 4 Climate's Oscar Idle explained: "Climate targets remain insufficient, plans remain ill thought out. We said we would continue to demand action until there is action, so we are protesting again on Friday 12 April.
Here’s Oxford Spires student Oscar Idle, 17, one of the organisers, on why he’s here pic.twitter.com/IrHQvVfYlT
— Harrison Jones (@OxMailHarrisonJ) March 15, 2019
The Oxford Spires student, 17, continued: "Join us in Bonn Square - adults are welcome too."
READ AGAIN: Pupils bunked off last time, says head
The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently warned that there is only a decade to take action to cut the risk of extreme heat, drought, floods and poverty.
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