What is sustainability? Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract – sustainable development – and turn it into a reality for all the world’s people. Kofi Annan Secretary General of the United Nations, March 2001

Sustainability is a way of being and acting that nurtures people and nature now, and in the future. (NZ Enviroschools) Put Simply…

A sustainable community is healthy and safe uses resources sensibly and fairly enables everyone to play a part has a local economy for all people cuts waste and pollution has its own character cares about people and nature

What does a sustainable school look like? A whole school approach How can we become a more sustainable school community? How can we incorporate sustainability into our whole school curriculum?

A Whole School Approach.. School culture and ethos Teaching and learning Resource management and school grounds Monitoring and evaluation Community links

Environmental Education for Sustainability is a process of learning to make decisions that will contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

Education must inspire the belief that each of us has the responsibility to effect positive change on a global scale. What are the implications for us as teachers?

Develop knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to make informed decisions. Explore issues, different perspectives, reflect, make decisions, take action that will lead to behaviour change. Provide opportunities for students to…..

Effective Teaching and Learning for Environmental Education for Sustainability  Students are an active participant in their learning.  Learning enhances reflective,critical and independent thinking.  Learning has local relevance.  Learning incorporates responsible action.

NTCF links EsseNTial Learnings - eg.Constructive 4 Learning Technology SOSE - Environments, Enterprise Science - Working Scientifically, Concepts and Contexts Health Technology and Design Indigenous Languages and Culture Cross curricula perspectives - Literacy, Numeracy, Indigenous, Environment, Studies of Asia, Learning Technology, Vocational

Student centred outcomes focused learning Requires a shift in pedagogy Start with the outcomes not the teaching activities. Assessor Activity Designer What would be evidence of learning? How will judgments be made? How will we check for misunderstandings/learning along the way? What would be interesting and engaging activities? What resources and materials are available? How will I give students a grade (and justify it ) Did the activities work?

An opportunity for schools to…. Create their own vision of sustainability that suits their local context, needs and interests. Equip learners with the knowledge, experience and skills to work toward their vision through democratic means. Build on the existing culture, priorities and values. Increase student engagement and improve student learning.

What are our first steps in developing a whole school approach here at our school?

What might our school community look like as a sustainable school community?