Learning for sustainability (LfS) is an approach to life and learning which enables learners, educators, schools and their wider communities to build a socially-just, sustainable and equitable society. An effective whole school and community approach to LfS weaves together global citizenship, sustainable development education and outdoor learning to create coherent, rewarding and transformative learning experiences.
LfS is an entitlement for all learners within Curriculum for Excellence. LfS is embedded within the General Teaching Council of Scotland Professional Standards for practitioners and permeates How good is our school? [Fourth edition]. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are central to Scotland’s national vision and are at the heart of the Scottish Government’s National Performance Framework.
The Vision 2030+ (2016) report sets out Scotland’s vision for LfS in educational settings through to 2030.
- All learners should have an entitlement to learning for sustainability.
- In line with the new GTCS Professional Standards, every practitioner, school and education leader should demonstrate learning for sustainability in their practice.
- Every school should have a whole-school approach to learning for sustainability that is robust, demonstrable, evaluated and supported by leadership at all levels.
- All school buildings, grounds and policies should support learning for sustainability.
- A strategic national approach to supporting learning for sustainability should be established.
“Our vision is of a flourishing Scotland where sustainable and socially-just practices are the norm…. and our roles and responsibilities within a globally-interdependent world are recognised…learners are educated through their landscape and understand their environment, culture and heritage; and develop a sense of place and belonging to their local, national and global community, with a deep connection to the natural world. Here, learners will understand the significance of their choices, now and in the future”. The Report of the One Planet Schools Working Group (November 2012)
Further resources
- Learning for Sustainability Summary Page on our National Improvement Hub
- Outdoor learning summary page on our National Improvement Hub
- LfSTwitter feed – @EdScotLfS #ThisisLfS #TimeforLfS
- Outdoor learning and Learning for Sustainability Resources Wakelet
If you have news, practice or ideas to share or would like to get in touch with Education Scotland’s STEM Team then please contact us on email: carole.gillespie@educationscotland.gov.scot
Thank you for your interest in Learning for Sustainability in Scotland.
