As society adapts to the climate emergency and biodiversity loss, we have little choice but to adapt. Yet a tendency to focus on the obstacles that humanity faces often stifles opportunities for change. Making the most of these opportunities requires a radical shift in how we relate to the environment. And that begins with sustainable education.
On November 17, the Edge Foundation and Schools of Tomorrow hosted a one-day summit uniting school and student leaders. Joined by an international audience of 100 delegates, including 40 students, the conference involved numerous sessions, workshops and presentations, and the result can only be described as inspirational.
Keynote speaker: Professor Rob Barratt
Keynote speaker was Professor Rob Barratt, Eden Project Chair of Education and Engagement from the University of Lancaster. Setting the tone for the day, he explored the pressing issues that humanity faces. From sustainable construction and transport to the myth of food scarcity (the real problem being inequitable distribution), he touched on numerous topics. But if the issues themselves are not new, what are the solutions?
Injecting much-needed hope, Professor Barratt explored everything from harnessing ocean geothermal energy for power to growing new materials for clothing. He also looked at the evolution of biophilic design and creating CO2-negative cities that exist in harmony with nature rather than in opposition to it. On sustainable education specifically, he guided us through some current projects applied by schools in the Morecambe Bay area, south of the Lake District.
Lancaster University – alongside Early Years, school and college partners – has recently designed the Morecambe Bay Curriculum framework. This prioritises the health and well-being of humans and natural ecosystems. Professor Barratt talked us through two sustainability initiatives occurring at schools in the area.
Firstly, the Blue Line Project involves monitoring air quality close to a local school. Using blue lines on the pavement, the school has marked the best air quality routes and ideal times to travel. Parents and pupils can monitor data via their smartphones. Meanwhile, the school is also planting additional greenery to absorb particulate matter and planning an education programme to raise awareness of the importance of air quality in the local community.
Another project, Where the Wildings Are, involves schools building outdoor teaching and learning habitats. These provide opportunities for children to build meaningful, long-term relationships with the fauna and flora on their school sites. The child-led project involves coppicing and planting willow to create green outdoor spaces. In another area, the school has planted a small hawthorn copse as a nature wildlife corridor. As the spaces evolve into living classrooms, they'll also tackle poor mental health in the community as locals are invited to share the space. A few sustainable ideas of many!
Reflections from attendees
Following the keynote speech, we heard presentations from school and student leaders and other sector professionals on present practices and the future of sustainable education. In the afternoon, we then came together to start devising individual action plans.
School leaders in attendance welcomed the emphasis on student voice. “Having pupils and educators share ideas for the future was inspired and inspirational,” said Meryl Batchelder from Corbridge Middle School in Northumberland. “Sharing the space with young people was a joy. They were not only knowledgeable—their voices were undoubtedly the most thoughtful and passionate, too.”
While young people inspired the adults in the room, the sessions also gave student leaders a greater understanding of how to affect change in their everyday lives and school systems. One student commented that the event had helped them see the environmental movement as a positive symbol for change. Others came away with more specific ideas: “A great example is not having hoodies for school leavers,” said one student, “but to get them to plant a tree instead, creating something enduring.”
As attendees departed – full of energy and with action on their minds – event organiser Malcolm Groves from Schools of Tomorrow reflected on the day: “We knew we were being ambitious by bringing school and student leaders together from so many primary and secondary schools,” he said. “But the result was more successful than we dared hope. Student engagement, commitment, eloquence and passion was exceptional, especially among younger pupils. They inspired more than a few adults in the room to hope and do more.”
Targeting a sustainable future
In a world often focused on the enormity of the challenges, the most refreshing aspect of the summit was the momentum and sense of hope that change is not just possible – it’s already underway. There was also a strong appetite for future summits. If you missed this event, Edge and Schools of Tomorrow are aiming to run the next in this series in Autumn 2023 – stay tuned to find out more!
Want to keep in the loop? Stay up to date at edge.co.uk and schoolsoftomorrow.org
Many thanks to the speakers who presented at the event:
- Malcolm Groves from Schools of Tomorrow, who outlined three key elements of deep learning for future sustainability: character, understanding and agency.
- Marc Voltaire and students from XP School in Doncaster, who took attendees on a journey through expeditionary and project-based learning.
- Farina Ackerman from Fairfield High School, Bristol and Meryl Batchelder and students from Corbridge Middle School in Northumberland, who shared how they developed formal and extra-curricular understanding within their curriculum.
- Shaun McInerney from Worcester University and Dominic Jones, who explored co-agency to help school and student leaders consider the next steps for building on the messages of the day.