Interesting Practice

Key facts

• Our Junior Leadership team (JLT) consisting of P4-P7 pupils have been working together to promote Learning for Sustainability at the heart of learning and our school community.
• First the JLT explored the concept of Learning for Sustainability by reflecting upon the LfS wordle. They then reflected upon and shared what LfS meant to them. The group then came up with a joint definition of ' Learning for a better world.' Together we then evaluated the LfS HGIOS framework. Learners then worked collaboratively to create the next steps on our LfS journey.
• The JLT showed strength in working collaboratively and providing constructive feedback and ideas for moving forward.

How the project developed

• In response to their HGIOS evaluations the JLT decided collectively that they would like to introduce LfS awards to celebrate the fantastic LfS work already being done by classes, teachers and individual pupils throughout the school. They felt they could use the awards to build awareness of LfS and inspire our school community in engaging in LfS themes across learning.
• The JLT worked collaboratively to create LfS awards, which would be given out at our achievements assemblies. The up cycled plastic water bottle trophies were inspired by teachers in Uganda who are very creative in their use of limited resources. They also worked together to create an LfS celebration wall in the dining room for our school community.
• The JLT will now deliver a whole school assembly sharing what Learning for Sustainability means to them, share their evaluations and to give learners throughout the school a better understanding of LfS.
• The JLT will now give out awards at our monthly achievement assemblies.
• Now the JLT will collaborate with the other Junior Leadership Teams of schools within our learning community to collaborate and support each other in developing a whole school approach to LfS. Linking with other schools on this project was something they were very keen to do as they we can all help each other being at different points in our LfS journey.

What did pupils gain from taking part in the project? How effective was it?

Thorough the project the pupils have shown increased confidence in working collaboratively. Pupils took ownership of the project and showed enthusiasm in leading themselves and others while creating their own action plans.

Learners were empowered and as a result showed greater confidence in contributing to group discussions and sharing their own ideas. They have developed leadership skills and skills for life, learning and work.

Is the project sustainable? How do you see it developing in the future?

Due to the Junior Leadership team changing every year it will not be possible to sustain the same pupils being involved in project however this will allow for other pupils throughout the school to be given the opportunity to develop their skills by undertaking this JLT role as well as shape our LfS journey.

Next year the aim would be for the new JLT to continue with the work put in place this year and will continue to collaborate with schools within our learning community. The new JLT will evaluate the LfS HGIOS outcomes again next year and create next steps which they will then work together to action and this process will continue as necessary in the years ahead.

The JLT would like for schools within our local authority to build connections with other JLT as working together we can make the biggest difference.

Did you incur any costs?

No.

Did you get other organisations/partners involved?

We will be collaborating with other schools within our learning community. St Mary's Primary and Newton Primary.

Do you have any advice for practitioners thinking about organising something similar?

Pupil voice should be at the heart of our evaluations of HGIOS and in informing our next steps in developing a whole school approach to LfS. Learning for Sustainability is a continuous journey. Education should be responsive to our learners and the changing nature of the world around them.

Learning for Sustainability is essential in providing learners with the knowledge, skills and values to be part of an ever changing world. Our young people should therefore be involved every step of the way in shaping LfS within their school community.

I have been able to see LfS through the eyes of our pupils and that has been invaluable as we move forward on our LfS journey. It has been great to see the pupils grow as individuals through while developing lots of skills along the way. I have really enjoyed working alongside such enthusiastic and inspiring young people!

Contact details

Jennifer Hutton
Class Teacher (facilitator of Junior Leadership Team)
Dunblane Primary School

E-mail: huttonj28s@glow.sch.uk