Schools and sustainability

The Government wants all schools to become 'sustainable schools' by 2020.

When visiting a selection of schools to assess teaching about sustainability and progress towards meeting the expectations of the National Framework for Sustainable Schools last year, Inspectors discovered that most of the schools had limited knowledge of sustainability and it was not seen to be an integral part of the curriculum.

Sustainability and climate change are gaining a higher public and political profile. In October 2006, Alan Johnson, the then Secretary of State for Education and Skills, said:

   'Schools are there to give children the knowledge and skills they need to become active members of society. Many children are rightly worried about climate change, global poverty and the impact of our lifestyles on our environment. Schools can demonstrate ways of living that are models of good practice for children and their communities. They can build sustainable development into the learning experience of every child to encourage innovation and improvement' (1)

The National framework for Sustainable Schools has close links to Every Child Matters outcomes.(2,3)

As well as identifying the principles of caring for oneself, each other and the environment, it also introduces 8 'doorways' through which schools may wish to initiate their activity about sustainable schools.

'Purchasing and waste - reusing and recycling as many goods as possible' is one of these 'doors'.

There are no defined 'standards' for education for sustainable development as there are for National Curriculum subjects. However Inspectors use the following criteria for judging the quality of learning outcomes:

   'In primary schools, pupils should understand that the environment is important. They should have some knowledge and understanding about sustainability and the need to lead more sustainable lives. They should know about the benefits of reducing, re-using and recycling. They should have an awareness of relevant topical issues such as global warming and measures to reduce the carbon 'footprint'.'

OFSTED likes to see schools where recycling is part of a well established and comprehensive programme. 'Phil' the Bag can help you get top marks as you can involve not only the whole school but also the wider community!