June 2022
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This conference examined plans for integrating a focus on sustainability and action on climate change into the curriculum in England.
It came timed as an opportunity to assess the DfE’s published Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.
Stakeholders and policymakers discussed the shape of the strategy and the outlook for implementation - including the provision of teacher training and CPD, the creation of a model primary science curriculum by 2023, the new Natural History GCSE, and the practicalities for introducing initiatives such as the National Education Nature Park.
Overall discussion looked at:
- implementation: curriculum design ◦ teacher training and support ◦ practicalities of integrating teaching on sustainability and climate education into the curriculum
- outdoor learning provision: accessibility and inclusion ◦ the establishment and role of the National Education Nature Park
- further study: prospects and options for green curricula in higher and further education
- employment: identifying and providing skills needed for students in the green jobs market, and in wider sectors where sustainability and climate change will have increasing importance
- collaboration: links between educational institutions, businesses and other stakeholders ◦ impact on student progression, access and enhanced experience of outdoor study
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Jonathan Dewsbury, Head of the Sustainability and Climate Change Unit, Department for Education; as well as contributions from Sir Tim Smit, Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chair, Eden Project; Dr Leigh Hoath, Senior Professional Practice Fellow and PGCE Science Lead, School of Teacher Education, Leeds Trinity University; and Chair, Sustainability and Climate Education Strategy Response Working Group; and Marc Fuster Rabella, Analyst, Centre for Educational Research and Innovation, Directorate for Education and Skills, OECD.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DfE; Defra; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; and HMRC - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.
