Topic Support Network: Education for Sustainable Development

Education for Sustainable Development in the Scottish College Sector (Resources from a Topic Support Network) Wednesday 26 June, hosted by North Glasgow College

Summary

Scotland is world leading in policy for Learning for Sustainability stimulated by the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. In 2006 the Scottish Government engaged with the UNDESD by publishing a five-year action plan for ESD, ‘Learning for our Future This was followed in 2010 by the Scottish Government plan for the second half of the decade, Learning for Change. These set ambitious plans for ESD in three sectors: schools, universities and colleges, and communities. We were joined by Morag Watson (WWF Scotland/Learning for Sustainability Scotland) who provided us with an update ESD activity in Scotland, including the recently revised Professional Standards for Teachers and the 32 point Learning for SustainabilityImplementation Plan, plus a progress update on the establishment of a Scottish UN University Regional Centre of Expertise on ESD.

To find out more about Learning for Sustainability Scotland (Scotland's UN University Regional Centre of Expertise on ESD) please click this web link: rcescotland.org/

Further Education Institutions in Scotland have a fundamental role to play in preparing graduates for a changing future and ensuring each one has the skills and knowledge required.  This group, established through EAUC Scotland's UCCCfS Programme (www.eauc.org.uk/ucccfs), aims to support staff to implement ESD in their institution.  At this meeting Elaine Crawford (Dumfries and Galloway College/EAUC Consultant) shared case studies on embedding ESD into the college curriculum, specifically at Dumfries and Galloway College, North Glasgow College and Adam Smith College. Elaine’s presentation is available to download below. An area Elaine has focused on to date is embedding ESD in the Hairdressing Curriculum; it is a really interesting example of how ESD can be embedded into all curriculum areas.