Learning for Sustainability in colleges - a guide

Developed in collaboration with Qualifications Scotland, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and the College Development Network, this guidance has been co-designed by and for colleagues working in teaching, learning and assessment, supporting learning and curriculum development.  

It aims to support college practitioners to embed Learning for Sustainability, a whole-setting approach which embraces global citizenship, sustainable development and outdoor learning. Delivering transformational learning on issues such as social justice, climate change, nature, and inequality, LfS empowers learners to build a sustainable future for themselves and others.     

The comprehensive resource also comes with a short and simple development tool for curriculum teams to support benchmarking and action planning in 20 minutes. 

Who is this guide for? 

This guide is primarily for teaching practitioners, and those with responsibility for curriculum development. But because learning does not only take place in the classroom, it may also be useful for senior leaders and professional services staff, along with community partners, employers, policy makers and sector bodies.  

This guide was produced as part of EAUC Scotland's step change for sustainability programme, funded by the Scottish Funding Council. While it focuses on the Scottish college context, its content will be relevant to colleges across the UK and Ireland.  

Key highlights 

A collaborative approach 

As well as the partner organisations, the guide was shaped by a group of college practitioners and sector reviewers across a range of roles to ensure we captured a diversity of perspectives.    

Myth busters 

We unravel the six most persistent myths about LfS, dispelling the common misconceptions that sustainability is only relevant to STEM subjects or LfS is difficult to practice. 

Frameworks for delivery and development 

The guidance introduces five key principles to support practitioners in delivering LfS, as well as mapping these against a framework for professional development, enabling you to benchmark your journey. 

Real world examples 

Case studies from colleges highlight how practitioners have been embedding LfS across various subjects and principles. 

Drivers of LfS 

We explore the drivers that have taken LfS from a "nice to have" to a core part of what Scottish colleges are expected, or even required, to deliver by policies,  standards and employers. 

At the heart of communities 

We explore the role of colleges in delivering LfS to ensure that learners from all backgrounds and communities have access to the opportunities of a sustainable future. 

Next steps 

We encourage you to share this guide throughout your institution – from teaching staff to senior management. Consider talking to your sustainability committee about ways to embed LfS across the whole college.  

Learn more on our Education for Sustainable Development landing page where you can view our learning pathway to successfully embed LfS, as well as further information on sector drivers.    

We’re keen to hear your thoughts on this guide, as well as stories of how you have used it to begin or progress your LfS journey. Complete this form to share your story and provide feedback. This will support us to further develop the guide and additional resources. 

For more information on the guide or to ask any questions, please email kmobius@eauc.org.uk.