Improving outcomes through learning for sustainability

Recent Scottish studies and other international research has identified that well-structured outdoor

Learning helps to raise attainment and:

  • facilitates children’s development in school grounds, local areas and on residential courses,
  • supports learning in all aspects of the school curriculum from 3 to 18,
  • provides opportunities for pupils to guide their own learning and develop critical thinking skills in ways elusive in the classroom,
  • raises children’s awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, resulting in understanding and promoting an ethic of care for our planet (directly linked with the concept of ‘learning for sustainability’)
  • has direct health and wellbeing benefits. This leads to high rates of ‘enhancement of challenge, enjoyment, personalisation, relevance, breadth and progression’ of learning.

Similarly, the ‘Conversations about Learning for Sustainability’ study conducted by Education Scotland in 2014 identified that Learning for Sustainability resulted in:

  • Enhanced learning and motivation and readiness to learn.
  • Increases in development of skills for life, learning and work.
  • Increases in confidence.
  • Improved reputation and standing of the establishments in their communities.
  • Improved staff morale, wellbeing and motivation.
  • Enriched ethos of school and improvements to the community spirit.

The links between education for sustainable development and quality education were further supported by an international Study conducted by UNESCO in 2015.

These briefings and reports, together with others, have been brought together here to support dialogue and interventions to raise attainment and improve outcomes for learners aligned to the Scottish Attainment Challenge, pupil equity fund and other priorities in education.

IDOX Briefing OL and Attainment

Conversations about LfS Report

UNESCO ESD and Quality Education Report

PEF and Outdoor Learning Research List

Impact of Outdoor Learning, attainment and behaviour in schools – LfS Research Briefings – No 3

Learning for Sustainability – effective pedagogies – LfS Research Briefings – No.4

Learning for Sustainability and Attainment – LfS Research Briefings – No.1

Scottish Education Awards – Applications open

Learning for Sustainability Award

http://www.scottisheducationawards.co.uk/

Do you know an early learning and childcare centre or school which has a passion for learning for sustainability including sustainable development education, global citizenship and outdoor learning? Then why not nominate them for the Learning for Sustainability Award? If this applies to your school or centre then you can submit an application directly!

 

Scottish Education Awards 2018_ Flyer Learning for Sustainability

The Scottish Education Awards recognise early learning and childcare settings and schools that have developed a vibrant and progressive culture and climate of continuous innovation.

The culture and ethos should promote respect, ambition and achievement while improving outcomes for all learners in ways which eliminate inequity.

Nominations should provide detail about all the activities, programmes and creative approaches that the setting has undertaken.

How are these being embedded across the four contexts for learning?

  • Ethos and life of the school as a community
  • Curriculum areas and subjects
  • Interdisciplinary learning
  • Opportunities for personal achievement

How are you promoting equity, equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to this award category?

What impact are your approaches having on learners, staff, their families, partner organisations, other educational establishments and the wider community?

Nominations close at 12 noon on Wednesday 14 February 2018

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