Tools:
Sustainable school resources
- Sustainable schools for pupils, communities and the environment
- Evidence of impact of sustainable schools
About sustainable schools
When a school embeds sustainability, not only does it start to care for the environment, it releases an enthusiasm for learning that is relevant and real, it provides opportunity for pupil leadership and greater interaction with the community. It can also lead to higher pupil attainment and improved teaching and learning. Looking at what we mean by a sustainable school and the benefits from being one can provide you with an understanding of why people are so enthused about it and committed to making it work.
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What is a sustainable school?
An introduction, including a video, about what makes a sustainable school, for leaders who are new to sustainability and for those already involved.
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Why is sustainability so important?
Reasons why sustainability has become an important part of the culture and curriculum in schools and its impact on teaching and learning.
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Vision of a sustainable school
Placing sustainability at the core of a schools development plan can help the school and its staff visualise its importance. The section gives examples of vision statements some schools have already used and supports you in developing your own.
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Benefits of becoming a sustainable school
These include developing new contexts and activities for learning, encouraging student voice and leadership and building engagement that leads to improvements in behaviour, achievement and attainment.
Publications
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The journey of sustainable schools: developing and embedding sustainability
How school leaders are developing and embedding sustainability within their schools and communities. -
Against the tide: challenges of leading a sustainable school
What are the key challenges facing schools that are trying to become more sustainable, and how do leaders overcome these? -
Sustainable environments and sustainable schools - China
School leaders visited the towns of Chongqing and Chengdu in western China to observe how Chinese society and the education system are preparing children for their role in protecting the planet for future generations. Part of the International Leadership Learning Programme. -
Australian leaders for sustainability - the climate change
Leaders from primary, secondary and middle schools examine school leadership in Adelaide, looking specifically at the sustainable schools agenda. -
Is it easy being green?
How do you as a school leader translate your green ambitions into local action? Nick Bannister catches up with two schools with approaches that could offer a template for others.
Case studies
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Combining energy conservation and energy generation
National College Resources: a case study of Brill School, which developed a wide range of projects to conserve and generate energy, with an overall goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2012. -
Placing sustainability at the heart of a new school community
National College resources: case study of St Martin's at Shouldham Primary School, which has created a thriving school community with a commitment to sustainability and the environment. -
A whole-school approach to sustainability
National College resources: a case study of Meare Village Primary School, which takes a broad view of education for sustainability, encompassing healthy lifestyles, respect for diversity, interacting with the community and protecting the environment. -
Education for sustainability in an extended school
National College resources: case study of Bowbridge Primary School, which has embedded sustainability into the curriculum and the wider life of the school as a community learning hub. -
Specialising in education for sustainability
National College resources: a case study of Liverpool's Academy of St Francis of Assisi, which has developed education for sustainability as one of its specialisms.
Interactive resources
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What is a sustainable school?
A short video provides you with some key messages about what a sustainable school is. Headteachers and pupils talk about its importance. There is also a summary of key features of sustainable schools. -
Leadership skills and characteristics
A summary of the leadership skills and characteristics of leaders who develop sustainable skills including a short video. -
Why is sustainability so important?
Why is sustainability so important? In this video clip, leaders and pupils talk about why schools have a responsbility to educate our future generations about the importance of sustainability -
Key challenges
Key challenges to becoming a sustainable school? -
Vision of a sustainable school
Why is setting a vision important for the development of sustainable schools? Several example vision statements are provided along with a short video giving an overview of how and why school embed that vision into the school.
Articles
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Valuing our future toolkit
'Valuing our future: developing a sustainable school' is a toolkit designed to help school leaders and their staff engage with the sustainable schools agenda and start to make real differences within their school. -
What is a sustainable school?
A short video provides you with some key messages about what a sustainable school is. Headteachers and pupils talk about its importance. There is also a summary of key features of sustainable schools. -
Sustainable schools: local wellbeing
National College resources: by 2020, the government would like all schools to be models of good corporate citizenship within their local areas. These resources offer guidance and case studies. -
Leadership skills and characteristics
A summary of the leadership skills and characteristics of leaders who develop sustainable skills including a short video. -
Further information and resources
Further information and recources about sustainability. This includes a list of useful websites.
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