Putting sustainability into learning

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:55:58

A proposed new standard is set to ensure that sustainability becomes an integral part of education within the Royal Borough.

The Learning for Sustainability (LfS) Standard for Schools is designed to assess the impact of each school's activities on developing a sustainable way of living and to identify where – and how – good sustainability practice supports good educational practice.

The standard is part of an overarching LfS strategy for the borough and the decision on whether to go ahead with LfS will be made by cabinet on Thursday May 22. If approved, it will be launched in September.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways, transport and environment, said: “Sustainability is the issue of our day. Past and present actions are converging in such a way as to threaten the survival of the human race.

“Children coming through our schools today are going to face a very different future to ours. These life issues have to be addressed in a more deliberate and strategic fashion than we have done in the past. There is no Plan B to save the planet!”

Cllr Paul Etherington, chairman of the sustainability panel, added: “The saying ‘We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children’ is more true than ever.”

Royal Borough schools will be encouraged to complete a sustainable school self-evaluation, created by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which can be developed into an action plan to shape and direct future action and learning. This could be a stand-alone framework or part of the school development plan.

The evaluation covers 27 different aspects of school life graded from ‘getting started’ to ‘outstanding’ and includes eight doorways under leadership and management, including food and drink, energy and water, travel and traffic. Recognition is also given to supporting awards such as the Berkshire School Travel Excellence Programme, Eco Schools, National Healthy Schools, International Schools and the Rights Respecting Award.

Advisory support from the LfS Action Group, made up of council officers and external partners, will be available through a new website and an annual event will recognise successes.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for children’s services, said: “Learning for Sustainability will help draw together all areas of school life, demonstrate how these are already contributing towards sustainability and how this contribution can be enhanced.”

As well as schools, other interested organisations are welcome to use the LfS model to address their sustainability issues. For further details contact Tim Morton, Learning for Sustainability coordinator, on 01628 796426.