What is Learning for Sustainability?

“… a cross-curricular approach which enables learners, educators, learning settings and their wider community to build a socially-just, sustainable and equitable society;

and as an effective whole-setting approach which weaves together global citizenship, sustainable development and outdoor learning to create coherent, rewarding and transformative learning experiences.”

Scottish Government 2023

“A Sustainable Learning Setting is about every aspect of the learning context. It is about what and how students learn, how the setting manages its physical environment and resources, how staff and learners relate to each other, how they work with their local community, and how they reach out to the wider world.”

Learning for Sustainability can…

• Increase motivation to learn & raise attainment

• Develop learners’ skills, confidence & values

• Improve staff morale, motivation and wellbeing

• Enhance community spirit and partnerships

• Provide more opportunities for parental engagement.

2014 Education Scotland

What are we doing at Rowanfield?

1. We support children to grow, learn, and feel confident by bringing together Learning for Sustainability, Outdoor Learning, and our “Being Me” approach, which encourages children to use their voice and have a say in their learning.
2. Children enjoy lots of opportunities to play, explore, and learn outdoors, helping them to develop curiosity, independence, and a care for the world around them.
3. By making the most of our outdoor spaces, we help children stay active, build resilience, and support their physical and emotional wellbeing.

As part of this work, we took part in Rowanfield’s first Eco Week, where pupils enjoyed a range of hands-on activities including creating artwork using recycled materials, making bird feeders, den building, and litter picking around the school grounds. We also held a special assembly to celebrate their efforts, with awards presented to pupils who collected the most litter.