Linking environmental initiatives to the curriculum

The Eco-Schools programme links into curriculum work of the school when and where possible.

NEELB - Curriculum, Environment and Society - E.S.D

Northern Ireland Environment Agency - Education Programme

Curriculum materials [LINK TO DOWNLOADS] are provided offering ideas on how to integrate environmental issues into lessons

The Eco-Schools programme has achieved local and international recognition as one of the recognised delivery tools for Education for Sustainable Development [ESD]. As an ESD programme it is supported by all five Education and Library Boards and is listed as a suggestion for delivering Curriculum Objectives in the Revised Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum.  It is also a Key Element at Post Primary level.  The programme is also strongly supported by the vast majority of local councils here in Northern Ireland, along with the Department of Education.

Eco-Schools is now an integral part of the Sustainable Development Strategy for NI and is one of the ministerial targets in that strategy – therefore it is at the heart of the education process for the future of students within the province. 

An excellent resource that is available to schools in Northern Ireland is the "Good Practice Guide for Primary, Secondary and Special Needs Schools" [available from www.welb-cass.org].  This guide clearly illustrates how to integrate ESD into the whole school curriculum www.nicurriculum.org.uk 

The principle behind Eco-Schools is that environmental topics being studied in the classroom should influence the way the whole school operates.  What you decide to study should, if possible, enhance the environmental actions (i.e. your Action Plan) being undertaken by your school.  This will provide greater relevance for the students.  Opportunities exist within Eco-Schools to make curriculum links into a range of subjects at many levels. The table below outlines just some of these opportunities.  Most schools are already incorporating a variety of environmental issues into the curriculum.

In summary, the Eco-Schools programme should:

  • Be integrated with the curriculum through as many subjects and levels as possible.
  • Be used to inform the whole school of environmental issues and instigate action in the school community.

 

For case studies on links to the curriculum, click here

Bronze
  • Environmental issues are covered as part of curriculum work in most year groups across a range of subjects.
Silver
  • Some aspects of Eco-Schools activities are integrated into the school curriculum for most year groups.
Green
  • The school has a named individual responsible for environmental education/sustainable development education.
  • The school has a curriculum plan integrating a range of environmental issues into the curriculum across some year groups or classes in a range of subjects.
  • Aspects of Eco-Schools activities are integrated into a range of subjects across the curriculum for the majority of classes or year groups.
  • Issues surrounding sustainable development are explored through curriculum activities in many year groups.