Sustainable Development Education Developing global citizens within Curriculum for Excellence Sustainable development education (SDE) is a theme across learning within Curriculum for Excellence It sits within the content of developing global citizens This presentation aims to provide important background to the national context and develop a great awareness of sustainable development in general This resource can be used by practitioners as a resource for individual CPD but has also been designed to be used as a CPD resource within a whole school or local authority context

Elements Contexts Developing Global Citizens Education for Citizenship International Education Sustainable Development Education Developing Global Citizens Scotland’s Culture Confucius Classrooms SDE sits within the context of developing global citizens (DGC) DGC comprises the inter-related elements of education for citizenship, international education and sustainable development education These elements have been brought together under the DGC banner in recognition of their interconnectedness. Bringing these elements together also supports a more integrated approach within schools and other educational settings Confucius Classrooms, Games Legacy and Scotland’s Culture provide contexts for learning about global citizenship. Olympic & Commonwealth Games Contexts

The goal of sustainable development “to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations”. One future – different paths HM Government, 2006

Rights and responsibilities Principles of sustainable development SDELG 2006 Equity and justice Interdependence Diversity Carrying capacity Rights and responsibilities The six principles of sustainable development education, outlined in Learning for our Future: Scotland’s first action plan for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, are as follows: Interdependence ­— appreciating the interconnectedness of people and nature at a local and global level Diversity — valuing the importance of natural and cultural diversity to our lives, economy and well-being Carrying capacity — acknowledging that the world’s resources are finite and the consequences of unmanaged and unsustainable growth are increased poverty and hardship, and the degradation of the environment, to the disadvantage of us all Rights and responsibilities ­— understanding the importance of universal rights and recognising that our actions may have implications for current and future generations Equity and justice ­— being aware of the underlying causes of injustice and recognising that for any development to be sustainable it must benefit people in an equitable way Uncertainty and precaution — understanding that our actions may have unforeseen consequences and encouraging a cautious approach to the welfare of our planet. Reflective questions How can we use the above principles to identify where sustainable development education currently features in the curriculum? How can we use the principles of sustainable development education to ensure that learning experiences are sufficiently rounded and appropriately reflect the breadth of sustainable development education? Uncertainty and precaution

Sustainable development education seeks to ensure that learners: Acquire knowledge of the principles of sustainable development Develop understanding of the relevance of the principles to their own lives and to the lives of others Develop the skills needed to take decisions guided by these principles Value the importance of these principles in sustaining their own wellbeing in addition to the wellbeing of our society, economy and planet. SDELG 2006 It is important to note that sustainable development isn’t the same as sustainable development education Sustainable development education is a process by which we empower society to achieve a more sustainable society.

Social Ecological Cultural Economical Aspects of sustainable development SDELG 2006 Economical Social Cultural Ecological Sustainable development is a broad concept that escapes any narrow definition solely focussed on the environment. It can be divided to four closely related elements which include: Ecological sustainability – protecting biological diversity, species and eco-systems Economical sustainability – ensuring economic activity is stable and balanced and respects the fact that the Earth’s resources are finite Social sustainability – enabling all people of the world to have a quality of life which respects their human dignity and ensures that their rights to nutrition, health, well-being, education and freedom are met Cultural sustainability – recognising that our communities and world are enriched by a diversity of peoples, languages, traditions, knowledge and beliefs. Reflective question How can these elements be used to ensure that learning experiences reflect the breadth and holistic nature of sustainable development education?

Video - What is sustainable development education? Option 1 Click here to access this video online Option 2 Download the video from the above link and embed it or play it at this point in the presentation.

Principles of developing global citizens Know, respect and care for the rights, responsibilities, values and opinions of others in Scotland, and understand Scotland’s role within the wider world. Develop an awareness and understanding of engagement in democratic processes and be able to participate in critical thinking and decision making in schools and communities at local, national and international level. The principles of sustainable development education have been embedded within the wider principles of developing global citizens

Principles of developing global citizens Understand the interdependence between people, the environment, and the impacts of actions, both local and global. Appreciate and celebrate the diversity of Scotland’s history, culture and heritage and engage with other cultures and traditions around the world. Demonstrate creative thinking and act responsibly in political, economic, environmental, social and cultural learning.

Access supporting resources on Glow 2011 has been designated as International Year of Forests This global focus helps raise the profile of sustainability and provides opportunities for schools to interact and learn about local and global issues LTS has provided resources for school on Glow to support learning in this area. Access supporting resources on Glow

Download this document The period from 2005 to 2014 has been designated as the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development The Scottish Government and key partner organisations, including LTS, have developed an action plan for Scotland to promote SDE across all sectors. This outlines actions that will be undertaken including CPD activities, setting up of teacher networks, action on the school estate and inspections and qualifications Download this document

Learn more about Scotland’s action on climate change In 2009, the Scottish Parliament passed the Climate Change (Scotland) Act This is the most ambitious climate change legislation in the world and commits Scotland to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2020 and by 80% by 2050 The Scottish Government has also introduced a raft of policy on energy efficiency and promotion of renewable energy which will have a profound impact on our society as we move towards a low carbon society This policy area supports SDE and underlines the importance of preparing our children and young people for the changes that lie ahead. Learn more about Scotland’s action on climate change

As Scotland moves towards a low carbon society many green jobs will be created It is estimated that some 60,000 to 90,000 jobs will be created in the green sector in the next 10 to 15 years This is in addition to the 80,000 green jobs that already exist This is a significant opportunity for our children and young people and it is important that education provides opportunities for them to engage in the green agenda and develop skills that will help them secure careers in this area

Scotland’s Zero Waste plan is another example of the policy landscape within Scotland SDE has a crucial role to play in engendering the support of children, young people and communities and to ensure the success of such strategies Read this document

National Outcomes for Scotland We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people. We are better educated, more skilled and more successful, renowned for our research and innovation. Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed. We live longer, healthier lives. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk. The national outcomes provide a framework for measuring progress of all aspects of government activity There are 15 outcome sin total and together they form a blueprint for how the Government wants to improve the quality of life for all its citizens All of these outcomes strongly reflect the principles of sustainable development Again, these outcomes indicate the supportive national policy in the Scottish context

National Outcomes for Scotland contd... We live our lives safe from crime, disorder and danger. We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations. We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of our consumption and production. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people’s needs.

Curriculum for Excellence Values Wisdom Justice Compassion Integrity The values inscribed on the mace in the Scottish Parliament are also those which underpin Curriculum for Excellence These values are consistent with SDE and should underpin all learning

Curriculum for Excellence All learners are entitled to experience a traditionally broad Scottish curriculum that develops skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work, with a sustained focus on literacy and numeracy, that encourages an active, healthy and environmentally sustainable lifestyle and builds an appreciation of Scotland and its place in the world. Building the Curriculum 3 Building the Curriculum 3, 2008 Sustainable development education and global citizenship is embedded across Curriculum for Excellence at all levels This recognises the importance of enabling our children and young people to be prepared for life in the 21st century

Sciences Experiences and Outcomes Planet Earth – Biodiversity and Interdependence Early First Second Third Fourth I have observed living things in the environment over time and am becoming aware of how they depend on each other. SCN 0-01a I can explore examples of food chains and show an appreciation of how animals and plants depend on each other for food. SCN 1-02a I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs. I have contributed to the design or conservation of a wildlife area. SCN 2-02a I have collaborated on investigations into the process of photosynthesis and I can demonstrate my understanding of why plants are vital to sustaining life on Earth. SCN 3-02a I understand how animal and plant species depend on each other and how living things are adapted for survival. I can predict the impact of population growth and natural hazards on biodiversity. SCN 4-01a This slides highlights one of the organisers within the sciences curriculum and gives an indication of how issues relating to sustainability have been embedded in the experiences and outcomes across the eight curriculum areas SDE and global citizenship are important themes across learning This ensures that all learners benefit from experiences relating to sustainable development education throughout their educational careers

FUN Outdoors Active Cooperative Pupil-centred Empowering Relevant It’s about HOW you teach it... Relevant Empowering Pupil-centred Pupil-directed Outdoors FUN Collaborative Transformative Having issues relating to sustainability embedded within the experiences and outcomes of Curriculum for Excellence is only part of what is required The pedagogy used is also extremely important and must seek to develop learners as critical thinkers and creative and resilient people empowered to find solutions to complex, ethical issues relating to climate change, health and well-being and threats to biodiversity. SDE pedagogies will also promote systems thinking and higher-order thinking skills. Cooperative Creative Experiential Active challenging

Discuss What is our school doing to promote sustainability and global citizenship? How do these activities support the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence?

A whole-school approach Transforming learning requires a whole-school approach with a focus on curriculum, campus and community This requires Vision and leadership from SMT Collective ownership and commitment from all Partnerships and engagement with community Support from local authorities Education centres that successfully adopt a whole school approach to developing global citizens are often referred to as ‘sustainable schools’. Encouraging every education centre in Scotland to work towards becoming a sustainable school is a central strategy within Learning for Change: Scotland’s action plan for the second half of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Schools can often be further along their journey to becoming a sustainable school than they realise. This is mainly due to a lack of awareness that many of the activities they are already undertaking are contributing to the sustainability of the school. However, schools with a mature whole school approach to sustainability will have weaved global citizenship and sustainable development education into the fabric and life of the school and will have developing a coordinated and sustained action plan focussing on key areas including: Leadership – an open, supportive and participative leadership style is essential for creating a common vision, creating a sense of ownership and engagement, and coordinating strategies across the school Policy and planning – all school policies, such as travel plans, procurement and health promotion, reflect the principles of sustainability Relationships and ethos – everyone feels valued and is given an opportunity to participate and flourish. A strong focus is given to pupil voice Buildings and grounds – grounds are developed to support active and outdoor learning approaches and include wildlife gardens, outdoor classrooms etc. Sustained action is taken to minimise ecological and carbon footprints Curriculum – global citizenship and sustainable development education is a theme across all learning Learning approaches ­– the school has strategies for developing effective pedagogies and approaches to learning including outdoor learning, active and cooperative learning Personal achievement ­– learners have access to a wide and stimulating range of experiences that develop their skills, talents and confidence. These are recognised and accredited. Community – children and young people are given opportunities to explore, engage, connect with and contribute to their local community. Partnerships are formed with youth, community and adult learning sectors. In short, a sustainable school can sometimes be defined as one which has embedded global citizenship and sustainability across the culture, curriculum, campus and community (The 4Cs). Photo: Pink Sherbet Photography, Creative Commons

Video - What is a sustainable school? Option 1 Click here to access this video online Option 2 Download the video from the above link and embed it or play it at this point in the presentation.

Discuss Where are we on our journey to becoming a sustainable school? What opportunities exist to help us move forward on this journey?

Weather & Climate Change Weather and climate change is an online resource produced by LTS for practitioners It provides lots of useful background for teachers and has many useful links and over 50 videos for teachers to view and download It is one of a number of online resources produced by LTS to support teachers in the area of SDE and global citizenship www.LTScotland.org.uk/weatherandclimatechange

Schools Global Footprint The Schools Global Footprint website is another popular resource and enables learners and schools to measure their ecological and carbon footprints using an online calculator. www.LTScotland.org.uk/schoolsglobalfootprint

Exploring Climate Change Exploring climate change has been designed for pupils in secondary schools and contains lots of useful information to support learning about climate change. www.LTScotland.org.uk/exploringclimatechange

Download this resource This is the latest resource launched by LTS’ Developing Global Citizens Team. It contains useful ideas, reflections and activities to support schools in developing a whole school approach to global citizenship and sustainability It is also accompanied by an online resource and further case studies Download this resource

Let us keep you in the loop Sign Up to our ebulletin Read the global citizenship blog National SDE Glow group Twitter - SusDevEd It is important to keep in the loop about the many events and activities organised by the DGC Team at LTS This can be done through our ebulletin, blog, Glow groups or Twitter

Contact Email: globalcitizens@LTScotland.org.uk www.ltscotland.org.uk/globalcitizens