Sustainable Schools Consultation Outdoor learning is hitting the spotlight once more as a result of a major consultation on sustainable development launched on 15 May. The Government wants all schools to become models of sustainable development for their communities, and the consultation gives supporters of outdoor learning the chance to help schools understand more about what this involves. As outdoor educators know, school campuses and other outdoor environments can provide a great context for exploring real-life sustainable development issues. Education Secretary Alan Johnson and Junior Education Minister Parmjit Dhanda marked the launch of the consultation with a visit to Argyle Primary School in Camden, London. The school has developed several sustainable development projects, including small world activities about minibeasts for Years 2 and 4 plus a Parents Action and Development Group who work on issues such as healthy living, safe play and road safety. Staff as well as pupils are encouraged and supported to travel to schools by eco-friendly ways such as cycling and walking. Alan Johnson said: "We know that our young people are keenly aware of environmental issues - in fact in many ways they are driving the change in attitudes to recycling and conservation". "I would urge schools to tap into this interest to really engage young people through the curriculum, the school's environment and awareness of the community around them. Schools can really help young people be part of the solution to the world's big challenges". "We know that many schools are leading the way, either by working to improve the good they offer, encouraging healthy ways to travel to schools and looking at how they can use energy and water more efficiently. I want to see this action replicated in all schools. The long-term benefits are huge - it can contribute to raising achievement, improving behaviour and cost savings". The consultation gives schools an opportunity to talk about their approach with all those who work with them, like local authorities, voluntary organisations, and businesses - as well as the chance to show that sustainable development is about a lot more than recycling bottles or giving to charity. And in what is believed to be a first for government, the consultation is climate neutral. Working with Climate Care, the Department has offset the CO2 emissions arising from all printing and distribution, consultation events, and response routes. The money used to offset these will go towards sustainable energy projects, like the production of energy efficient cooking stoves for schools in India. The consultation will run until 1 September. To find out more, or respond, visit: |