The role of education, we believe, is to enable learners to become self aware, socially aware and have the knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes to become fully functioning adults in life and work in a changing world. Living in the 21C we face old and newer social, economic  and environmental challenges, at the local, national, and international level. Those engaged in supporting the work of UNA-GL seek to inspire and empower all in learning to understand the dimensions and challenges of sustainability and wellbeing.

The 17 UN 2030 sustainable development goals give a focus and offers purpose for all learning programmes from Key Stage 1 to Higher Education and Professional Qualifications. Engagement with the goals and the challenges supports the development of agency in learners in their life and work, and promotes mental and emotional wellbeing. 

In 2022 the UK Government produced a Policy and Strategy paper for Schools and Colleges on Sustainability and Climate Change. It highlights a need for a holistic and systemic approach using internal and external resources. In addition it requires institutions to have a 'Sustainability Lead'. UNA-GL is please to support this development alongside other partnering organisations, locally, nationally and internationally.. 

Below you will see an introductory 'Audit Tool on Sustainability in Education' to assist schools and colleges in their development, and a more theoretical 'discussion paper' of the role of Education in developing a 'New Wealth of Nations' using SDGs and a capability approach in educational outcomes.

 

In addition during the 'Covid Lockdowns' we ran a monthly free ZOOM based 'Challenge Seminar' series on the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. These were recorded and are now available via our past events page on YouTube. They invite viewers to consider the views of an 'expert' presenter followed by a discussion. The sessions fit well with all learning programmes age 14 to adult. They can inform and empower individuals and local communities to engage in new thinking and action on sustainable development.

Education Lead: Jane Salt

Resources to Support Schools

 THE HARMONY PROJECT: A New way of learning inspired by nature (KS 1 to 2) https://www.theharmonyproject.org.uk/

SEEd: ( KS 1 to 5) Sustainability and Environmental Education https://se-ed.co.uk/

The Ellen Macarthur Foundation: Circular Economy. All ages. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

UNA-GL has established a link with the OPEN UNIVERSITY. There are 'free' courses on sustainability available via their Open Learn Platform. Please see the links below:

Teaching student's about sustainability - Sustainability - OpenLearn - Open University

For more resources for both staff and student development at all levels and topic areas, access our resources for schools at  - Resources for schools - OpenLearn - Open University

Introducing Global Development

Introducing Key Global Development Challenges

If you would like further details or to discuss your needs around Open University courses please contact ian.bates@open.ac.uk 

 

AUDIT TOOL FOR Secondary Schools: Education for Sustainable Development and UN 2030 SDG's

This is an introductory audit tool for Secondary Schools to provide an introduction and information on Sustainable Development. It introduces a way to audit whole school and curriculum approaches to Sustainable Development and a helps to describe a pathway to develop an action plan. This can be used as a Teacher led activity or as a collaborative activity including all stakeholders including Students.

A 'New Wealth of Nations' Education, Careers Education, Capability and Agency

A paper that introduces ideas around a capability approach as outcomes for young people in schools and colleges.

RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOL
One way of engaging whole school action is the Rights Respecting Schools Award. It puts children’s rights at the heart of schools in the UK. Unicef works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. The Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.

https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/ 

There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school; wellbeing, participation, relationships and self-esteem. The difference that a Rights Respecting School makes goes beyond the school gates, making a positive impact on the whole community.

More than 5,000 schools across the UK are currently involved in the Rights Respecting Schools Award, and of those over 2,000 schools have been granted a Silver: Rights Aware and a Gold: Rights Respecting accreditation by Unicef UK since 2006.