NESPSS - Leading for the Future

Interest in sustainable development in British schools has risen steadily over the last decade in keeping with developments elsewhere in the public sector, in civil society and in business. However, evidence suggests that sustainable development remains poorly understood by school leaders, teachers and local authority personnel alike, other than in a small minority of exemplary schools. Furthermore, much current sustainable development activity in schools is carried out by committed teachers and school staff in isolated projects, rather than as part of a strategic school-improvement plan.

Aim of the Programme

This programme specifically targets senior school leaders and local authority personnel working in education. It aims to inspire them into taking a whole-school approach to sustainable development as a school improvement strategy, and then to support them as they develop the necessary capabilities. This will involve the gradual reframing of sustainable development as an issue which permeates all school activities, not just single curriculum elements. Ways in which the programme will tackle this challenge include:

Understanding how learning through sustainable development can raise achievement.

Exploring the many contributions schools can make to sustainable development, in particular the role of the school as a sustainable development beacon and hub within the local community and business environment.

Framing the financial, educational and behavioural benefits of such an approach to schools in terms of a set of business cases for senior teachers, heads and governors.

Exploring personal and organisational strategies for leadership and change in the school environment.

Programme Components

A team of CPD professionals experienced in leading management training and in sustainable development education is developing the following programme.

Pre-workshop introductory materials. an introduction to Chronos for Schools, an e-learning introduction to the understanding of sustainability and its implications for leaders and managers in education (it takes about 2 hours to complete and includes a role play around Every Child Matters).rking tool for assessing the sustainability performance of participant's own school.
Session 1 (one day)'Thinking Sustainably': (a) What is sustainable development and its relevance to education? (b) Chronos for Schools - activities including role plays; (c) infrastructure for sustainable development and operational practices. Group activities with expert input.
Session 2 (one day,) 'Raising Achievement': (a) The values and beliefs of sustainable development education; (b) Outdoor learning and its relationship with sustainable development; (c) Curriculum enhancement; (d) Case studies and scenarios; (e) a national perspective; (e) educational links and support mechanisms.
Session 3 (1/2 day,) 'Supported Action Planning' (a) Work in groups around specific interest areas to devise the elements of a draft action plan.
Session 4 (1/2 day,) 'Challenges and opportunities in practice': (a) presentations from participants, with feedback from the group and experts.

If you would like to find out more about how your organisation can benefit from this programme please contact the EWE Centre on 0191 373 9799 or e-mail ewe.centre@durhamlea.org.uk

Suggested Links

Cambridge Programme for Industry (CPI)

HTI

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'Sustainable development is a non-negotiable for children's wellbeing' - The Children's Plan 2007

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