Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms (Glasgow 2017)

Education must fully assume its central role in helping people to forge more just, peaceful, tolerant and inclusive societies. It must give people the understanding, skills and values they need to co-operate in resolving the interconnected challenges of the 21st century. UN Secretary General 2014

The Context

Scotland is unique internationally in having a requirement for all teachers and education professionals to address Learning for Sustainability (LfS) in their practice to conform to the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) Professional Standards

In addition, the Scottish Government signaled its intent to take a ‘whole school approach’ to LfS by accepting all 31 recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory’s Group ‘Learning for Sustainability Report’. It also features as a priority in the recently revised Education Scotland ‘How Good Is Our School?’ (2015, HGIOS 4), being the only subject area mentioned in the list of priorities. This makes LfS development in Scotland one of the highest priorities in Scottish Education.

What is Learning for Sustainability and ‘Connecting Classrooms’?

This professional learning initiative by the University of Edinburgh in partnership with the British Council, is a timely opportunity for teachers to grapple with what LfS means, what existing and new skills and knowledge are required, and how this might all look in the your school context. Connecting directly with Curriculum for Excellence, involvement will enable you to effectively plan for and implement Learning for Sustainability approaches in your school in ways that will significantly enhance the educational experience of learners. Engagement with this course will also inform a teacher’s Professional Review and Development (PRD) and Professional Update (PU) for GTCS registration. This is a GTCS accredited programme and your engagement in the programme could, in time, lead to Professional Recognition from the GTCS.

Participants will:

· Critically consider the nature of teaching and learning within the context of Learning for Sustainability which includes Sustainable Development Education, Outdoor Learning and Global Learning.

· In the context of the British Council’s Core Skills, reflect critically on developing the skills and dispositions required of teachers and learners related to Learning for Sustainability.

· Apply in practice, and reflect upon the impact of, principles and practices of and approaches to Learning for Sustainability.

· Work together towards the development of a Learning for Sustainability professional network for practitioners to support teacher learning and practice in Learning for Sustainability.

What is being offered?

This programme offers teachers the opportunity to engage and collaborate over a nine-week period which include a day-long participative face to face session at the beginning and at the end of the period, supported by fortnightly inputs from online materials.

Teachers who successfully complete the programme will be eligible to apply for overseas study visits to partner schools in other countries through the British Council. Learning can be used to strengthen international links at your school, enriching teaching and learning through partnerships and joint projects.

The professional learning is fully funded.

When and Where?

Saturday 14th January 2017 9.30 am to 3.30 pm in Glasgow (venue tbc)

After this session there will be fortnightly inputs with course materials over the 9 week period and ongoing opportunities for discussion, collaboration and reflection.

Saturday 18th March 2017 9.30 am to 3.30 pm in Glasgow (venue tbc)

What is asked of you?

We will ask you to make a clear commitment to participate throughout the nine-week programme.

Before starting, we recommend you find a learning partner who can offer you support and advice throughout the training course. This could be an existing colleague who you meet with regularly to discuss your progress.

We will ask you to try out some activities and ideas with your learners during the nine-week period and before attending the final session.

How you can get involved

Please register to participate by contacting Abi Cornwall, Development Officer, Learning for Sustainability Scotland, Abicornwall@lfsscotland.org and registering here https://glasgowconnectingclassrooms.eventbrite.co.uk