Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

What is ESD? The University has based its understanding on the UNESCO definition which covers four main areas:  social and economic justice  cultural diversity  human rights of future generations  the protection and restoration of the Earth’s ecosystem There is no universal model of ESD and there will be differences based on local contexts, priorities and approaches. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Student learning Students should gain an understanding of the long- term impact they currently have, and will have, in their future personal and professional life, on the environment and how to live within the earth’s limits. The UNESCO framework also stresses that teaching and learning be:  Interdisciplinary and holistic  Values-driven  Critical thinking and problem solving  Participatory decision-making  Locally relevant Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

A healthy and just society Environmental limits and ecological wellbeing Effective and participative governance A strong, stable and viable economy Cultural heritage Quality of life Cultural heritage The rural and the urban (conflict and balance) Preparing for the imagined future Ethical questions Human Rights

Curriculum Incorporating ESD into the curriculum is not about changing what we do, it is about doing what we do, differently.  Every unit  Irrelevant material  Much already taught, but not explicitly referenced  Up to each faculty to interpret ESD as applicable to their schools. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Students Our Student Focus Group demonstrates that UoB students want sustainability to be challenging and treated with academic rigour sustainability to be embedded in relevant courses practical opportunities to critically address sustainability sustainability skills to complement their career path Sustainability concerns are significant in students’ university choices 80% believe sustainability skills are going to be important to their future employers 65% believe that sustainability skills should be delivered throughout the curriculum rather than through a separate module HEA commissioned survey of HE students conducted by NUS/ Student Force

Reasons to address ESD The University’s Policy and Strategy for Sustainability commits the institution to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and aims to:  Integrate environmental and sustainability principles into the University’s operational procedures, educational activities and research endeavours, promoting best practice at every level. Higher education is uniquely placed to play a leading role in the attainment of sustainable development and HEFCE has stated that:  Sustainable development is central to our strategy for the future development of the HE sector.

People & Planet league table National student organisation People and Planet for action on world poverty and the environment 2010, Upper Second Class Award Division 2011, Lower Second Class Award Division Bristol dropped places largely because of the new Curriculum section 2012, First Class Award Division Bristol achieved this higher position largely because of how ESD was newly addressed Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Relevance to Employers Considered the social/environmental ethics, values and experience of university students as part of their graduate recruitment Said universities should do more to prepare students for working with employers who are socially and environmentally responsible Needed graduate recruits with specific competencies to support their social and environmental responsibilities. Wanted more interdisciplinarity in universities as a way of teaching about social and environmental responsibility HEA Report: Employable Graduates for Responsible Employers Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Benefits Meets external demands:  HEA; HEFCE; People&Planet and other league tables; etc.  Attracts students who are concerned with ESD Meets internal demands:  UoB’s policy and strategy  Students’ interests Helps the University achieve quality awards (FQETS; ISO; etc.) Equips graduates for the future Addresses employers’ demands Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Support Two postgraduate ESD interns are available to assist you with any changes you decide upon, from finding relevant resources to developing strategies tailored to your subject. Hannah Tweddell Aisling Tierney RESOURCES Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)