Menu
15/09/2003
Mixed progress on 'sustainable development' classes in schools
Some schools are making significant steps in promoting an education for sustainable development, but some have made little progress, according to a new report published by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) today.
The report found that many of the 26 schools visited were making "significant progress" in providing opportunities for pupils to learn and develop their understanding of education for sustainable development (ESD), but a small sample had made only limited progress.
The most successful learning was found in schools with a dedicated whole-school commitment to tackling sustainable development issues, whereby ESD is integrated into the existing work of the school and the curriculum is well-planned. Primary schools using this approach showed the most progress.
The National Curriculum in 2002 raised the profile of ESD by asking schools to promote pupils' commitment to sustainable development. In the same year the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority produced curriculum guidance for schools to help them achieve this.
Among other highlights, the report identified that most successful schools generally had strong links with the community, in particular to encourage pupils and their families to play a part in their local community.
The Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, said: "This report indicates that while an increasing amount of good practice does exist in the promotion of ESD, there is much still to be done.
"We are hoping to see more schools develop values, knowledge and skills in pupils that will enable them to think proactively about safeguarding a sustainable future for all. By highlighting the example set by those schools which are already successfully doing this, we hope that others will be inspired to follow suit."
(gmcg)
The report found that many of the 26 schools visited were making "significant progress" in providing opportunities for pupils to learn and develop their understanding of education for sustainable development (ESD), but a small sample had made only limited progress.
The most successful learning was found in schools with a dedicated whole-school commitment to tackling sustainable development issues, whereby ESD is integrated into the existing work of the school and the curriculum is well-planned. Primary schools using this approach showed the most progress.
The National Curriculum in 2002 raised the profile of ESD by asking schools to promote pupils' commitment to sustainable development. In the same year the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority produced curriculum guidance for schools to help them achieve this.
Among other highlights, the report identified that most successful schools generally had strong links with the community, in particular to encourage pupils and their families to play a part in their local community.
The Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, said: "This report indicates that while an increasing amount of good practice does exist in the promotion of ESD, there is much still to be done.
"We are hoping to see more schools develop values, knowledge and skills in pupils that will enable them to think proactively about safeguarding a sustainable future for all. By highlighting the example set by those schools which are already successfully doing this, we hope that others will be inspired to follow suit."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2004
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
More schools gained 'specialist' status
More than half of all secondary schools have now gained specialist status, School Standards Minister David Miliband has announced.
23 September 2003
Environmental awareness at colleges given green light
Green action plans for schools, colleges and universities will encourage them to care for the environment, Education Secretary Charles Clarke said today. They make up more than 5% of all buildings in the UK, he said, so it is vital that they use their resources in efficient and responsible way.
Environmental awareness at colleges given green light
Green action plans for schools, colleges and universities will encourage them to care for the environment, Education Secretary Charles Clarke said today. They make up more than 5% of all buildings in the UK, he said, so it is vital that they use their resources in efficient and responsible way.
01 March 2005
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
Gang culture 'widespread', schools report finds
Gang culture is 'perceived to be widespread' in England's schools, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has found. The education watchdog said that one in five of the secondary schools visited reported that problems with gangs were perceived although few schools had firm evidence of it.
16 February 2005
Specialist schools improving faster than other schools
Specialist schools are performing better than other schools in England, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has reported. The education watchdog found that pupils in specialist schools have performed better at GCSEs since 1998 and the rate of improvement in GCSE results was also faster in these schools.
Specialist schools improving faster than other schools
Specialist schools are performing better than other schools in England, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has reported. The education watchdog found that pupils in specialist schools have performed better at GCSEs since 1998 and the rate of improvement in GCSE results was also faster in these schools.
26 November 2003
Teacher training schools have 'positive effect': Ofsted
The government's training schools programme has had "a very positive effect on initial teacher training (ITT)" and represents "good value for money", according to a new report launched today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
Teacher training schools have 'positive effect': Ofsted
The government's training schools programme has had "a very positive effect on initial teacher training (ITT)" and represents "good value for money", according to a new report launched today by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
