Green Gown Awards 2014 - Student Engagement - Blackpool & the Fylde College - Highly Commended

Turbulent times create inquisitive minds

Using Benjamin Franklin’s premise “Involve Me and I’ll Learn”, the College has actively involved students in a number of projects, events and activities promoting sustainability. This engagement method, coupled with current economic trends and a need to take more responsibility for our own actions, has seen student participation soar.

The College has fully embraced the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) agenda and implemented a cross College approach to delivering and embedding Sustainable Development (SD) through the curriculum, Students’ Union, events and campaigns. ESD and particularly action learning is considered a key aspect of the curriculum, with the College implementing an ESD Strategy in 2013 to support and enhance the agenda.

The College believes that in order to provide meaningful student engagement programs, students must have significant and meaningful impacts in the community in order yo build sustainable partnerships and sustainable students.

Top 3 learnings

1 Provide and tailor sustainability training to different curriculum areas and courses
2 Always use case studies so that students can relate to the information
3 Encourage students to ask questions and spark debates and discussions.

What the judges say ...

Very high numbers of students engaged with a strong community focus. The Growing Green Mentors programme is an excellent example of an engagement process.

What it means to win ...

“This award is a celebration of our efforts and hard work to educate students about the importance of sustainability. It has been clear through student engagement events and programmes that our students are developing new skills and becoming more involved in the local community. They are also considering the environment in all aspects of learning. We are proud that B&FC students will qualify with these transferable skills which in turn will enhance their employability.”

Daryl Platt, Development Executive Director

Videos

• Turbulent times create inquisitive minds (click to hide)