Hello Welcome to the November bulletin for Learning for Sustainability Scotland.
Well the clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in... but, if you don'tt want to hibernate yet, there are plenty of networking events and workshops on this month to keep the winter blues away - from business breakfasts to citizens cafes, to cycling conferences, public meetings and youth work events. Outdoor Classroom Day is next week on 7th November - get your hat and gloves on and head outside!
This year's theme: Feeling the Pressure: planetary health, participatory democracy and you. We will explore the role of the individual and participative democracy in influencing societal change, and showcase how Learning for Sustainability approaches can inspire positive interactions with all three. Book your place NOW!
The new Scottish Youth Parliament campaign on environmental protection, aims to empower young people to take action to reduce pollution levels in Scotland. Fill out this survey before 8th November to share your views on single-use packaging, waste, and recycling in Scotland. You can also use their consultation pack, to lead workshops.
Looking for inspiration from Connecting Classrooms, working with the UN Sustainable Development Goals? This brand-new resource contains a wealth of ideas and case studies which highlight how engagement in the programme helps to develop the values, knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world.
Fiery yellow, orange and red leaves on the trees, clinging until the next big storm. The shape of trunk and branch emerging strong as drifts of leaves whirl down. This is the season of fierce pumpkin faces, guising and sticky treats, tricksters and jokes. Society too is full of people who are not what they appear to be; what is the trick being played now? Who will light the next fire of discontent? Whether we protest at inaction over climate change or at ineptitude over Brexit, our frustration smoulders.
How better to resolve frustration than learning together, and we have plenty of opportunities in the next few months. Our AGM and Networking session on 10th January 2020 has a focus on ‘Feeling the Pressure: planetary health, participatory democracy and you’? Spaces are going fast; you can still book a place here. We are seeking nominations for the Steering Group for the election at the AGM. This is an excellent chance to work in partnership for cross-sectoral change through learning for sustainability.
The ConnectingClassrooms programme is well under way and we are enjoying working with teachers from across Scotland participating in our Making Connections through Learning for Sustainability professional learning. Click here to enrol for the next course for educators in 3-18 settings, starting in January 2020. Contact us too if you are interested in a tailored mix of face to face an online professional learning for your whole school.
We are currently developingprofessional learning for teacher educators in initial teacher education that will be available across the UK. Drawing on British Council funding and working with the Teacher Education for Equity and Sustainability Network (TEESNet), we are designing two six week online courses to be offered in early 2020.
There is still time to comment on the General Teaching Council for Scotland consultation on refreshed Professional Standards for educators (closing 20th December 2019). Click here to join our workshop on 6th November2 -4.30pm at Moray House to consider responses from an LfS perspective.
Our Further and Higher Education Task Group / EAUC Scotland Topic Support Network on ESD meets on 13th November on Evaluating Education for Sustainable Development in the Curriculum. We will be discussing competencies, exploring why inclusion and evaluation of ESD is important, analysing how to make it happen across institutions and identifying resources and support needed. Find out more about the programme and book your free place here.
There is a saying that if you catch a falling leaf, you can make a wish. That sounds like a good excuse to go for a walk, burl around in a forest and capture your own fiery symbol of hope for the future.
Rehema White, Chair LfS Scotland Steering Group
Betsy King, Development Manager, LfS Scotland (betsyking@lfsscotland.org)
Clickhere to find out more about the latest in the #ThisisLfS series, with insights from Colmonell and Ballantrae Primary schools, North Ayrshire.
Are you working towards a whole school approach to learning for sustainability? We would love to learn from your experiences too, to share your #ThisisLfS story please email Betsy King.
1. . Cycling Scotland Conference 2019, 4 and 5th November, Edinburgh The conference is expected to bring together over 250 professionals, campaigners, volunteers, and national and local politicians to share experiences, learn from each other and network to help support cycling.
3.The Edible Edinburgh Business Breakfast , 8 - 11am, 8th Nov This event provides an ideal opportunity for businesses to come together to highlight good practice, discuss ways to work collaboratively on making Edinburgh a truly sustainable food city.
10. European Week for Waste Reduction 16-24 November This European initiative promotes the implementation of awareness-raising actions about sustainable resource and waste management during a single week.
Schools Sector
11. Outdoor Classroom Day, 7th November Sign up your class/school to celebrate the benefits of outdoor learning and play. The theme this November is STEM subjects and there will be some great new lesson ideas to help you take your pupils outdoors.
12. Glasgow City Council and Bridge 47 LfS/GCE event, Glasgow, 11th November Glasgow City Council Education Improvement Services are hosting an event for Head Teachers and Senior Leaders to raise awareness of Global Citizenship Education and Learning for Sustainability. Please contact Rachel Binnie if you are able to attend on behalf of your organisation and would like a stall.
13. National Youthwork Conference, Glasgow, 27th November This conference will focus on youth work’s role in closing the attainment gap – within and beyond school; ensuring every child and young person has the same opportunity to succeed and fulfil their potential.
14.The Whirlybird on Tour, EcoDrama, Spring 2020 Eco Drama’s latest production for young children is touring schools, nurseries, theatres, and community venues next Spring. The Whirlybird is a funny, playful and moving piece about learning to fly, encouraging one another and finding joy and inspiration in nature. Please email Nina Doherty to discuss bookings.
18. "The Elephants in the Room"- EAUC Scotland Conference, Glasgow, 26th Nov This full day conference will look at some of the more controversial and challenging issues facing sustainability professionals within Further and Higher Education today. Topics include: setting meaningful carbon reduction targets, addressing academic travel, procurement emissions, climate anxiety, and more.
2. Full Permaculture design course in Glasgow One weekend per month for 6 months, starting with the 2 day introduction in Nov/Jan. This 12 day course deepens learning in many different aspects of sustainability including soil, water, social systems, buildings, and design tools.
3. SDG Academy Online Courses The SDG Academy is offering a range of free online training courses around the SDG’s that anyone can take. Topics include: Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact, Ethics in Action, Macroeconomics for a Sustainable Planet, Environmental Security and Sustaining Peace.
Schools Sector
4. Children in Permaculture, Tangleha House, Montrose, 9 - 10th November A w/end permaculture course for parents, teachers and other educators to engage children in all aspects of permaculture. This course is the product of the 3 year European ‘Children in Permaculture’ project.
5. Connecting Classrooms Webinars, Nov - Jan Interested in getting involved in Connecting Classrooms? We’re running a series of webinars over the next few months and all are free to attend. Find out more about working as a cluster school co-ordinator, or about working with schools in Malawi, India, Rwanda, South Africa and more.
1. Future Focus Resource This is a free to download Scotdec resource exploring the @SDGoals through short videos, created with a focus on stimulating debate in your classroom around a variety of global issues. Pick a film that suits either your primary or secondary learners!
2. Scotland Colleges and Universities SDG Case Studies EAUC have produced an exciting new set of case studies that provide a snapshot of the some of the ways that Scotland's Further and Higher Education sector are contributing towards the Global Goals.
Their hope is that you will be inspired to make strides to achieve the SDGs by embarking or partnering with universities and colleges on social, economic and environmental initiatives.
Resources
Every month, Education Scotland produce a bulletin for learning for sustainability in schools across Scotland. You can subscribe - for free - to receive the bulletin by clicking on this link.
1. World Rescue Game
World Rescue is a narrative, research-based video-game inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals. Through fast-paced gameplay set in Kenya, Norway, Brazil, India, and China, you will meet and help five young heroes and help them solve global problems.
2. Chain Reaction - New Song from Plastic Fantastic A song on climate change issues ideal for school assemblies, concerts or lessons. Free of charge from the creator of Plastic Fantastic the Musical. (Scroll down Single Use Plastics resource list to find it) .
Tertiary Sector
3. New Curriculum Guides EAUC-Scotland have released two new curriculum guides to help teaching professionals integrate sustainability concepts into the curriculum – in particular Economics and Computer Science. The guides are intended to be a first step to help generate ideas of how sustainability relates to the subjects.
Community Sector
4. Community Growing Resource Pack Scotland, Social Farms and Gardens This pack is a comprehensive introduction to setting up, developing and sustaining a community-managed farm, garden or related community growing space. It provides easy to read advice and information on the issues you are likely to face as a community group.
Schools Sector 1. School Partnership Awards, Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) These new awards aim to celebrate the variety of school partnerships with Malawi across Scotland. Focusing on the theme of sustainability, our Youth Committee is looking for schools to tell us the story of their partnership. The deadline for entries is 25th November, and the Awards ceremony will take place on the 5th December.
2. Teach the Future Campaign This is a youth-led campaign to urgently repurpose the entire education system around the climate emergency and ecological crisis. The campaign calls for a review, a new Act of Parliament, substantial new funding and net-zero buildings. It is starting with England, but will develop branches of the campaign for the devolved nations soon.
3. Eco-Schools Scotland 25th Anniversary Video Help Ecoschools celebrate their 25th Anniversary with a special video project. Send in a a 10-60 second video clip on “What is the best thing about being part of an Eco-Committee?” Deadline is Friday 15th November.
Tertiary Sector
4. Food Made Good awards, 5th November Congratulations to the University of Edinburgh who have been shortlisted for the Food Made Good Awards 2019. The University has been shortlisted for the Reduce Reuse Recycle award thanks to their work on reducing single use plastics on campus.
5. College Development Network Awards, 21st November The shortlist has been released for these College Awards. In the Sustainability Category there are 3 finalists, Ayrshire College, Dundee and Angus College, Forth Valley College.Congratulations to all three finalists!
1. New RCE Projects Map This month has seen the launch of an interactive RCE Projects Map on the RCE Portal. This new feature displays all of the RCE Projects and allows users to search and view projects by region, target audience, theme, SDG, and ecosystem. They hope this tool will provide another way for groups to share activities and resources.
2. CLIMATE2020 - 7th Climate Change Online Conference, 23-30 March, 2020, online The 7th Climate Change Online Conference will communicate current research results on climate change and its consequences, exclusively online. In particular, young scientists from all over the world are offered an opportunity to present their own research on a worldwide stage.
3. Winners of the UNESCO-Japan Prize on ESD Announced UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has named the three winners of this year's UNESCO-Japan Prize: the Camphill Community Trust in Botswana, the Sustainable Amazon Foundation (Brazil) and the city of Hamburg (Germany). Each of the three laureates will receive an award of US $50,000.
1. Good Food Nation Consultation Results The responses to the 2018-2019 Government Consultation on the Good Food Nation Bill were published in the beginning of September. Nourish were delighted to see strong public support for a Good Food Nation Bill that takes a whole-systems approach, enshrines the right to food into Scottish law and sets up a Food Commission.
2. Cities100 2019 Report The Cities100 report, recently released by Cities100, features 100 leading climate action projects from cities around the world, and includes 12 different categories of climate action. The report provides an analysis of how cities are facing the challenges and opportunities that come with being at the forefront of climate action.
1. Development Education Officer - Maternity Leave, SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Officer), Glasgow SCIAF are looking for an inspiring individual, knowledgeable in Catholic Social Teaching, that will represent SCIAF’s beliefs and values in a professional and engaging manner. You will be expected, as part of your role, to write and develop resources for our audiences, deliver engaging presentations/workshops, train and manage volunteers and maintain and develop key external relationships. Closing date: Monday 4 November.
2. Scotland Manager - Maternity Leave, EAUC (Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges), Edinburgh EAUC is seeking a Scotland Manager, to manage the EAUC Scotland Team and ensure the successful delivery of the EAUC Scotland Programmes. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to draw upon own skills and experiences to lead this process, and influence how the Scottish tertiary education sector respond to the climate emergency and sustainable development agenda. Closing date: Wed 6th November.
3. Policy and Research Vacancy, Inclusion Scotland, Glasgow or Edinburgh Are you interested in policy with a good understanding of policy in Scotland? Have you planned, promoted and delivered events? Would you like to influence decision makers to enable disabled people to be fully included in Scottish society? Closing date: 18th November.
4. Scotland Director, Learning Through Landscapes, Stirling
LtL is a leading charity in outdoor education, with offices in both Winchester and Stirling. LtL are currently looking to appoint a Director to lead the team in Scotland. Key responsibilities include: Ensuring the successful delivery of LtL Scotland projects and Leading the Scottish work to influence policy and practice in outdoor learning and play.
Closing date: 19th November.
#IWill4Nature Climate Campaign Launch, Edinburgh, 18th Nov The #IWill campaign, made up of 1,000+ partner organisations across the UK, aims to make participation in social action the norm for young people. Social action includes activities like volunteering, mentoring, peer education, campaigning, involvement in a school or youth parliament, and fundraising. Young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow. They have the energy, skills and ideas to change society and the environment for the better today.
This year #IWillWeek will run from the 18 - 24 Nov, with a launch event on 18th Nov. During the week, events and celebrations will take place across the UK and leaders, organisations & young people take to social media to celebrate the #PowerOfYouth, recognising the invaluable and diverse contribution they are making to society.
The event will also launch the #IWill4Nature campaign, which will see #IWill ambassadors challenge local authorities to support more young people to take action in their communities to address climate change and pollution. The campaign will run throughout 2020 and will tie in closely with the Year of Coasts and Waters.
It’s clear that young people across the country are very excited to be involved in the year, and the opportunity to highlight the urgent need to address climate change. They are keen to work together with cross-sector partners during 2020 - if you are interested in being involved please download our partner pack for more information.
To attend the launch event please RSVP to this email address by Monday 11th November.
Out to Play with Eco Drama Eco Drama and Ben Mali have just delivered a very inspiring, imaginative week of Out to Play CPD, working with 67 teachers, nursery leaders, out of school care practitioners & arts and education facilitators across 3 sessions. They really enjoyed exploring and re-imagining the outdoor spaces at each venue and sharing the Out to Play approach of using storytelling and drama to develop children's connection to nature and learning for sustainability.
With thanks to all participants who travelled to the 3 locations from across the central belt and approached the work with openness and imagination! Thanks to Emily Reid from Eco Drama for the photo.
Would you like to see your photo here? Every month we feature a photo of the month from one of our members and next month - it could be you! With over 1200 people reading our monthly bulletin it is a wonderful place to let the Learning for Sustainability (LfS) community see all your hard work. If you have a photo you'd like to feature in 'Photo of the Month' then please email our bulletin editor Norahor check our website for details.
Learning for Sustainability Scotland (LfS Scotland) is Scotland’s UN Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development; headquartered within the University of Edinburgh. The centre is an open network where members and partners come together to undertake collaborative projects, research and advocacy that push forward Learning for Sustainability practice and policy in Scotland. LfS Scotland’s purpose is to harness the full potential of learning to create a flourishing, sustainable world.
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