Specialising in education for sustainability

Case study

Developing education for sustainability as one of its specialisms has helped Liverpool’s Academy of St Francis of Assisi to raise pupil attainment and self-esteem.

Key learning

Education for sustainability is one of the academy’s specialisms and is written into its specialism development plan.
Favourable publicity on the environmental design and high quality of the academy’s buildings has led to increased student pride, self-esteem and attainment.
St Francis has topped local value-added tables.

Background

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi in Liverpool is jointly funded by the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England. The academy opened in 2006 and was designed to be a local landmark, an example of best practice in environmental design and an educational resource. The school is in an area of social deprivation where under-achievement and low personal aspirations are common amongst local young people.

The headteacher and the governing body, which includes the Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops, share a vision of education for sustainability being central to the process of school improvement. The academy’s specialism development plan for 2006-09 states its aim to become a school where working sustainably is the norm and where sustainability is transferred into the local community and beyond. The development plan ties in with the WWF Pathways project and the Eco Schools initiative.

Key challenges

Local perceptions

The academy is located in an area of social deprivation, with many local people placing a low value on schools as institutions.

Engaging students

The academy wanted to engage its students in the development of the school and establish a strong student voice. The senior leadership team recognised that its students would need to be introduced into democratic processes slowly and carefully.

Solution

Leadership responsibility

The leadership of sustainability within the academy is largely the responsibility of the deputy head. A new post of education for sustainability co-ordinator was created in 2008.

Developing the curriculum

Environmental sustainability themes have been integrated into the key stage three curriculum for Year 7 and 8 pupils.

Planning for sustainable development

The academy’s development plan for 2006-09 covers topics including ethos, curriculum, community, resource management, sustainable transport and local links.

Professional development

Education for sustainability is an important part of teachers’ professional development, with the WWF’s Pathways to Sustainability forming an area of focus. Sustainability has been established as the responsibility of all staff in the academy.

Working with partners

St Francis has received practical and financial support from the Groundwork Trust, particularly in relation to the development of allotments for Year 7 pupils. The academy is involved in the Eco Schools programme and is working towards the silver and green flag awards.

Next steps

The academy has a long-term goal of moving towards carbon neutrality.

Further information

For further information contact The Academy of St Francis of Assisi.