A new Action Plan confirms a significant Scottish Government commitment to Learning for Sustainability as “an entitlement for all learners”. Launched by Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP, it sets out how a wide range of partners and practitioners (including FSC) will incorporate global citizenship, sustainable development education and outdoor learning in ways that effectively respond to the growing interests, passions and concerns articulated by young people.
Mr Swinney outlined Scottish Government’s ambition in launching the Action Plan as:
“Bringing the concept of Learning for Sustainability to life at the heart of the curriculum…To make a much broader breakthrough in terms of practice and approach, culture and behaviour across the [education] system as a whole…To produce a learning experience relevant to young people, giving due and proper account of society”.
Mr Swinney
Learning for Sustainability provides a rich context for interdisciplinary learning. The work of the Field Studies Council – in bringing nature, science and sustainability into education in practical and project-based ways – has much to contribute. Expertise in Citizen Science, and promotion of ‘STEM by Nature’ (bringing the role of nature to the fore in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) have a role in creating opportunities for coherent, rewarding and transformative learning experiences.
Whilst ‘Learning for Sustainability’ may be unfamiliar, or sound like a jargon term to some, it’s an important approach to delivering Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. It offers a platform to bring learning about issues such as the climate emergency to the fore, with an expectation that all teachers demonstrate it in their practice. It creates a context for integrating UN Sustainable Development Goals in classroom and outdoor learning, on a daily basis, across all subject areas.
What is Learning for Sustainability? Rob Bushby, currently working in a development role with FSC Scotland, has written a short Elevator Pitch blog (prompted by a discussion at FSC Millport), and in a more in depth follow-up blog (you’ve guessed it) ‘Beyond the Elevator Pitch’ offers a stocktake covering the origins of the term, background, and a perspective on its role and value. The Learning for Sustainability Action Plan is available to download on the National Improvement Hub.