Topic outline

  • Introduction

    Collapse all Expand all

    • Learning for Sustainability

    • In this first chapter, "What is Learning for Sustainability?", we'll unpack the core essence of LfS. We'll explore its key components – sustainable development, global citizenship, and outdoor learning – and reveal how these interconnected themes form a powerful lens through which all learning can be enriched. Prepare to gain a clear understanding of what LfS truly means in the Scottish context and how it can transform your approach to education, making it more relevant, engaging, and impactful for every learner. Let's dive in and discover the foundations of LfS!

      Listen:

       

       

    • Sketch note for LfS by Education Scotland

      This short video talks through the sketch note:

  • Sustainable Development

    • Having laid the foundation of Learning for Sustainability, we now delve into a crucial element: Sustainable Development. If you're eager to empower your pupils with the knowledge of how to thrive in the present while safeguarding the future, you've come to the right place. We'll demystify this vital concept and explore its profound importance in cultivating responsible global citizens across Scotland.

      In this chapter, "Understanding Sustainable Development," we'll unpack its fundamental definition and explore the essential interconnectedness of its three pillars: environmental, social, and economic well-being. We'll move beyond abstract ideas and examine how these principles manifest in the real world, both within our local communities and across the globe. Get ready to discover practical ways to introduce these concepts to your learners, fostering their critical thinking and empowering them to see themselves as part of the solution to our planet's challenges. Let's unlock the power of sustainable development!

      Listen:

       

       

  • Global Citizenship

    • Building on our understanding of Sustainable Development, we now shift our focus to another crucial element of Learning for Sustainability: Global Citizenship. If you're passionate about empowering your pupils to understand their role in the wider world and to actively contribute to a more just and equitable global community, this module is for you. We'll explore how to cultivate a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility in your Scottish learners.

      In this chapter, "Embracing Global Citizenship," we'll delve into what it truly means to be a global citizen in today's interconnected world. We'll explore how to help your learners understand their rights and responsibilities on a global scale, develop empathy for diverse cultures and perspectives, and critically engage with global issues. Get ready to discover practical strategies for fostering a sense of belonging to a wider human family and empowering your pupils to become active and ethical contributors to a better world, right here in Scotland. Let's embark on our journey into global citizenship!

      Listen:

       

       

  • Outdoor Learning

    • Having journeyed through Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship, we now arrive at the final, and equally vital, pillar of Learning for Sustainability: Outdoor Learning. If you're keen to unlock the incredible potential of the natural world as a dynamic learning environment and foster a deeper connection between your Scottish pupils and the environment, then this module is for you. Get ready to discover how taking learning beyond the classroom walls can ignite curiosity, enhance well-being, and enrich understanding across the curriculum.

      In this chapter, "Embracing Outdoor Learning," we'll delve into the numerous benefits of engaging pupils in direct, hands-on experiences in nature. We'll explore how outdoor learning can enhance engagement, motivation, and the development of essential skills while fostering a profound appreciation for the environment. Get ready to discover practical ideas and inspiration for incorporating outdoor learning into your teaching, regardless of your subject or the size of your school grounds in Scotland. Let's step outside and explore the transformative power of learning in nature!

      Listen:

       

       

  • Frameworks, Resources and Tools

    • Key Organisations & Websites:

      • Learning for Sustainability Scotland: This is Scotland's United Nations University-recognised Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development. 1 Their website (learningforsustainabilityscotland.org) offers a wealth of information, news, events, professional learning opportunities, and connects you to a network of practitioners.  
        1. www.creativescotland.com
        www.creativescotland.com
      • Education Scotland: The national body for supporting quality and improvement in learning and teaching provides extensive advice and guidance on LfS. Their dedicated section (education.gov.scot/resource-themes/learning-for-sustainability/) includes policy documents, self-evaluation tools, research briefings, and links to further resources.
      • Keep Scotland Beautiful: This environmental charity delivers the Eco-Schools programme in Scotland (keepscotlandbeautiful.org/eco-schools/), a key framework for LfS. They also offer resources and training on climate action and biodiversity.
      • GTC Scotland (General Teaching Council for Scotland): The professional standards for teachers in Scotland are underpinned by LfS as a cross-cutting theme. Their website (gtcs.org.uk/registrant-resources/learning-for-sustainability) offers resources to help teachers explore LfS within these standards.
      • YouthLink Scotland: This national agency for youth work has a dedicated section on Learning for Sustainability (youthlink.scot/education-skills/learning-for-sustainability/) with resources, projects, and training opportunities for the youth work sector, which often partners with schools.
      • Children's Parliament: They have undertaken significant work on Learning for Sustainability from a children's rights perspective, with reports and calls to action available on their website (childrensparliament.org.uk/our-work/learning-for-sustainability/).

      Key Documents & Frameworks:

      • Learning for Sustainability: Action Plan 2023-2030 (Target 2030): This Scottish Government plan (gov.scot/publications/target-2030-movement-people-planet-prosperity/) outlines the national vision for every 3-18 learning setting to become sustainable by 2030.
      • Curriculum for Excellence (CfE): LfS is embedded within CfE as a context for learning. Familiarize yourself with the Experiences and Outcomes that align with sustainable development, global citizenship, and outdoor learning.
      • GTCS Professional Standards for Teachers: Understand how LfS is integrated into the core expectations for all teachers in Scotland.
      • Learning for Sustainability Self-Evaluation Framework (Education Scotland): This tool helps schools and educators assess their progress and plan for improvement in LfS.

      Practical Resources & Tools:

      • Eco-Schools Scotland's Seven Elements and Ten Topics (Keep Scotland Beautiful): A framework for schools to work towards the Green Flag Award by addressing environmental themes in a structured way.
      • World's Largest Lesson: Offers resources and activities linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (sustainabledevelopment.global/education/).
      • Connecting Classrooms through Global Learning (Learning for Sustainability Scotland): Provides free resources and support for building partnerships and engaging in global learning projects.
      • NAC STEM Hub (Glow Scotland blog): Offers a collection of resources, including curriculum mapping grids linking SDGs to CfE curricular areas (blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/na/nacstemhub/learning-for-sustainability-2/resources/).
      • Learning for Sustainability Scotland Resource Library (YouthLink Scotland): A bank of resources exploring various LfS topics.
      • Outdoor Learning Directories and Networks: Connect with local outdoor learning providers and access resources for taking learning outdoors. Your local authority or organisations like the Scottish Outdoor Learning Development Group (SOLD) can provide information.
      • SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework): Explore potential qualifications and credit-rated courses related to LfS (scqf.org.uk). Keep Scotland Beautiful, for example, has a Biodiversity Action course credit-rated by SCQF.

      Professional Learning:

      • Learning for Sustainability Scotland Events and Workshops: Regularly check their website for upcoming professional learning opportunities.
      • Education Scotland Professional Learning Resources: Explore their offerings related to LfS.
      • Keep Scotland Beautiful Training: They provide training on Eco-Schools, climate emergency, and biodiversity action.
      • GTC Scotland Professional Learning: Look for opportunities related to LfS and the Professional Standards.
      • Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): The University of Edinburgh has previously offered MOOCs on Learning for Sustainability through platforms like FutureLearn. Check for current or upcoming courses.

       

  • Professional Enquiry

    • Professional Enquiry