s3: Sustainable School Self-Evaluation: For Primary, Middle and Secondary Schools

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s3: sustainable school self-evaluation

for primary, middle and secondary schools

Page 1
Contents
About sustainable schools

Introduction

Instructions

 School characteristics

 Stakeholders’ views

 Achievement and standards

 Personal development and well-being

 Quality of provision

 Leadership and management


Focus on food and drink
Focus on energy
Focus on water
Focus on travel and traffic
Focus on purchasing and waste
Focus on school buildings
Focus on school grounds
Focus on inclusion and participation
Focus on local well-being
Focus on the global dimension

Further resources

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About sustainable schools
There are many definitions and interpretations of sustainable development. According to ‘Securing the Future’, the UK’s 2005
Sustainable Development Strategy, the goal is to ‘enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a
better quality if life, without compromising the quality of life of future generations.’ 1

Schools are there to give children the knowledge and skills they need to become active members of society. Many children are
rightly worried about climate change, global poverty and the impact of our lifestyles on our environment. Schools can demonstrate
ways of living that are models of good practice for children and their communities. They can build sustainable development into
the learning experience of every child to encourage innovation and improvement.

Alan Johnson
October 2006

1
HM Government (2005) Securing the future: delivering UK sustainable development strategy. TSO, London

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The future holds many challenges for young people. role in finding solutions to local issues.
Global problems such as climate change and global poverty are These solutions will also need to address broader global problems.
becoming critical. Closer to home, many people are worried about To do this, schools will need to take an integrated approach to
environmental problems such as fresh-water scarcity and the build sustainability: they should teach it and demonstrate it through the
up of waste, health problems such as the rise of obesity, and social curriculum (teaching and learning), the campus (values and ways of
problems that threaten the cohesion of local communities working) and the community (wider influence and partnerships).
They can prepare young people for a lifetime of sustainable living.
Young people have a high stake in the future.
Indeed, some of them may live to see the 22nd century. We don’t A sustainable school is guided by the principle of care.
know what that will be like, except that it will be very different from This includes care for oneself, care for each other (across cultures,
today. Some fuel reserves may be exhausted. The polar ice-caps distances and time), and care for the environment (far and near).
may have melted. World population may have doubled. And much Care is demonstrated in new ways and in new contexts, opening
more of Africa may have become a desert. On the other hand, some pupils’ eyes to the possibility of sustainable living. Care builds a
people may benefit from dramatic improvements in medicine, and sense of shared responsibility for a sustainable school and a vibrant
drive silent, emission-free cars. Amid the potential dangers are local community.
fantastic opportunities.
Sustainable Schools can help build cohesion among a
Schools have a special role to play in securing the range of initiatives and school practices.
future for young people. Sustainable Schools looks at the ‘big picture’ and recognises that a
As places of learning, they can help pupils understand our impact school culture, founded on the principle of care, may achieve
on the planet. And as models of good practice, they can be places greater things by taking a more holistic approach to school
where sustainable living and working is demonstrated to young improvement and community development.
people and the community. Tomorrow’s solutions to the world’s
problems may be found in our classrooms today. Since there is no single way of achieving this goal, this self-
evaluation is offered as a flexible tool that schools may use or adapt
The Government would like every school to be a to best fit their needs.
sustainable school.
In practice this means integrating high standards of achievement
and behaviour with the goals of healthy living, environmental
awareness, community involvement and citizenship – many of the
aspirations set forth in Every Child Matters2 (2005).

Schools can prepare young people to take an active


2
www.everychildmatters.gov.uk

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Introduction
Sustainable school self-evaluation is not an optional extra.
Schools currently are required to evaluate their school improvement progress using a self-evaluation form (SEF) developed by
Ofsted (2005). This sustainable school self-evaluation (s3) provides schools with a voluntary way to record and report their efforts
to promote sustainable schools, as an integrated part of their Ofsted SEF. For some schools, parts of s3 may be pasted directly into
the relevant Ofsted SEF sections.

Sustainable school self-evaluation can help improve schools.


An Ofsted study3 suggests that sustainable schools offer dynamic and vibrant learning environments because they address real-life
challenges in real places with real people. Ofsted found that these schools built their good practices through a cycle of strategic
goal-setting, action and assessment. Pupils are at the centre of our interest in sustainable schools. School improvement measures
increase opportunities for each individual to realise their full academic potential and to become an enthusiastic lifelong learner. A
school culture should address:

• the social and emotional needs of pupils;


• promote healthy living;
• value and respect diversity;
• be aware of the local and global environment;
• and foster pupils’ confidence in their ability to make a difference.

3
www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/index.cfm?fuseaction=pubs.summary&id=3389

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This self-evaluation form has been developed to help schools recognise and appreciate what they are already doing to promote a
sustainable school, to plan next steps, and to document the benefits on their Ofsted SEF.

Sustainable schools offer tangible benefits to the curriculum, campus and community.

Curriculum Campus Community


(teaching provision and learning) (values and ways of working) (wider influence and partnerships)

 teaching and learning  operating and capital expenses  trust


 pupil achievement  pupil involvement  parental involvement
 pupil well-being  staff morale  local influence

We propose that schools develop a We propose that schools evaluate their We propose that schools identify ways to
curriculum and an approach to teaching own sustainable development promote sustainable development through
and learning in and outside the classroom performance in order to establish policies their communications, services, contracts
that deepens pupils’ understanding of and practices for continuous improvement and partnerships with key stakeholders.
sustainable development. It should across the school and its estate.
cultivate the values and skills they will
need to make positive contributions in the
places where they live and work.

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Instructions
The sustainable school self-evaluation is for use by your school’s Ofsted SEF writing team.
This team is likely to include teachers and senior school managers. Depending on how you develop and maintain your SEF, this
may also include other staff, governors, parents and even pupils.

The sustainable school self-evaluation follows the 2005 Ofsted SEF headings.
The headings are:
 School characteristics
 Stakeholders’ views
 Achievement and standards
 Personal development and well-being
 Quality of provision
 Leadership and management.

It considers each of these in the context of sustainability. The last heading is further divided into 10 sub-headings that are linked to
the 8 sustainable schools doorways featured in the Sustainable Schools area of TeacherNet4.

Before you begin, decide if you are going to use


all or just some of the tool’s questions.
Step 1: Grade your performance
If you are just getting started with your sustainable school practice,
it may be useful to select those self-evaluation questions that are Under each sustainable school self-evaluation heading or sub-
most relevant to your stage of development. If you have a well- heading, you are asked to grade aspects of your school
developed sustainable school practice, you will probably use most practice on a four-point scale (see box below). Examples of
or all of the questions. Use or adapt the sustainable school self- the grades are offered for each of the aspects you assess.
evaluation questions to the extent to fit your needs. It does take time
The examples are progressive and build on one another. So,
to work through the tool, but it is time well spent, as you can use
your responses to build your Ofsted SEF. for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ suggests that you also
have achieved the performance standard examples described
as ‘good’ and ‘satisfactory’. Some of the examples include
more than one aspect of practice. Use your judgement when
4
www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools

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grading your performance, if you address only some aspects
of the example offered.
Grade and alternatives Implication
outstanding evidence of school improvement and community development
exemplary, highly effective a fully developed, demonstrable impact that is worth disseminating beyond the school
good evidence of improved pupil performance and school environmental performance
above average, effective a well developed, demonstrable impact that is worth reinforcing and developing in school
satisfactory provision in place
fundamental scope for improvement and further development
getting started provision is not addressed or not fully developed
not considered, pre-engaged, or merits consideration or attention, or is deemed not relevant or a low priority
inadequate

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Step 2: Write an evaluative statement
Step 4: Add this to your Ofsted SEF
Once you have graded an aspect of your school practice, you
are asked to explain why you have graded the item as you did. After you have gathered the evidence of good practice arising
Write an evaluative statement, noting supporting evidence. It from a range of initiatives that contribute to a sustainable
is not intended that you should provide large amounts of school, record them as part of your routine Ofsted SEF
statistical data and descriptive detail. You should use evidence maintenance procedures.
selectively to support main judgements about your
performance. Use brief bulleted statements to answer these Information and support are available
questions:
The s3: sustainable school self-evaluation is also offered as
 What was the task or activity? an interactive version. The web tool uses MATRIX software
 What were the intended outcomes? and you will need to use your school DfES identification
 Were they met? number to register with MATRIX (no cost) in order to access
 If they were not met, why not? the tool. The web tool offers features not available in this print
 If they were, how were they met? version. These include online archiving, additional examples,
 What change resulted? action-planning ideas and web-links to useful resources. The
 How do you know? What is your evidence? tool can be accessed from the Sustainable Schools area of
Teachernet5 which also offers case studies, schemes of work
and links to other websites. These resources are organised in
Step 3: Identify key priorities for development
several ways, including a categorisation using the eight
sustainable schools doorways introduced in the 2006 DfES
You are then asked to record the actions you will take that will
Sustainable Schools consultation.
lead to further improvement. Keep your responses brief.
These priorities should be transferred to your school
improvement or development plan.

5
www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools/tools/s3

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 School characteristics
Our long-term well-being, as individuals, schools, communities and nations, depends on the way we care for ourselves and for each other, and
the way we care for the environment, now and in the future.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools place sustainable development at the heart of their ethos, demonstrating it in their
management practice, embedding it in their teaching, and promoting it in their communities.

Background

Each school works within a unique local context, shaped by its heritage, its principles at the heart of their school ethos.
current development plans and its aspirations, as well as by its physical
environment. Where this happens, participatory decision-making reflects the particular
environmental, social and economic context of each individual school.
Nationally, pupils vary in their attainment and come from a range of social
and economic backgrounds. For this reason, schools can determine for Sustainability offers opportunities for innovation in schools and for schools
themselves the strategic directions they will take to best address their to enhance their roles in the community. It can help to place goals as
pupils’ and the school community’s needs, and to reduce any barriers to diverse as healthy living, green travel, social inclusion and standards-
their success. raising within a broader canvas. This enables school leaders to present a
more coherent picture to pupils and the school community, and to
A growing number of schools have placed sustainable development emphasise school improvement priorities while showing how they are
advancing the broader school and community agenda.

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1.1 To what extent is sustainable development a distinctive characteristic or feature of
our school?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

It may be easier to assess this question after considering all the others (questions 2.1 – 6.1 [including focus questions F1 – F10]).

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have just We have identified sustainable We have evidence that our efforts We have evidence that our efforts to
begun to consider, how sustainable development as a special feature to promote sustainable promote sustainable development
development could benefit school of our school in our school development benefit pupils’ contribute to our overall school
improvement, or how it could be a improvement plan and school achievement and school effectiveness and to community
distinctive aim or feature of our school. policy, and we are pursuing it operation and performance. improvement, and we share our practice
actively. with others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

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 Stakeholders’ views
Schools can gain the support of local stakeholders by taking account of their needs and involving them in decision-making. Schools can also
balance their short-term interests with longer-term goals by considering the needs of the environment, of future generations and of other
communities, in the UK and abroad.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools listen to the views of pupils, teachers, school staff, parents and carers, governors and the
wider school community, and that they involve them in decision-making in ways that balance the school’s needs with its broader
commitments to the environment and society.

Background

A stakeholder is anyone who can affect or will be affected by decision-


making processes. In most cases, there are individuals and groups who Many local people care deeply about the well-being of their communities
are obvious stakeholders. In schools, for example, pupils, teachers and and the wider world, and have much to contribute toward the development
staff, governors, parents and carers, and community members are obvious of a sustainable school. Involving a wide range of stakeholders can
stakeholders. enhance the effectiveness of your school improvement efforts.

When it comes to sustainable development, however, there are other A good starting point is to seek to understand stakeholders’ views about
stakeholders who are frequently overlooked. These individuals and groups the current operation of the school, and how they would like to see this
often live or work in the distant places that provide the natural resources, improved.
produce the goods or dispose of the wastes that are essential to school
operation. Other stakeholders – especially future generations – are even Consultation, dialogue and engagement with stakeholders can help to
less obvious. anticipate potential problems before they arise. It can also build trust with
key groups such as parents and carers, and pupils and staff, furthering
Effective decision-making for sustainable development takes account of opportunities to work with them as learning and improvement partners.
the views of all stakeholders, even those who may not be able to speak for
themselves. For practical purposes, schools can begin this process by Questions 2.1 to 2.5 cover various stakeholders’ involvement, including
engaging the school with the wider community. pupils (2.1), teachers and staff (2.2), governors and other stakeholders
(2.3), parents and carers (2.4), and the wider community (2.5).

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2.1 To what extent do pupils participate in decision-making?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We have a strategy or Pupils fully participate in decision- We have evidence of how this
just begun to consider, the benefits mechanism for pupils’ making about the ethos, policies and contributes to school improvement and
of pupils’ participation in decision- participation, and pupils are management of the school, and about community development. We share our
making about their school or their involved in decision-making about how their own learning is supported. We practice with others.
learning. their school and their learning. act upon their recommendations. We
have evidence of how this benefits
pupils..

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 14
2.2 To what extent do the teachers and staff participate in school decision-making?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
Communication with teachers and We have a strategy or Teachers and staff participate fully in We have evidence of how this
staff focuses on keeping them mechanism for the participation of school decision-making. Their contributes to school improvement and
informed about what’s happening teachers in school decision- recommendations are acted upon. We community development. We share our
at school. making. We solicit their have evidence of how this benefits practice with others.
comments and suggestions about teachers and staff.
a range of issues.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 15
2.3 To what extent do school governors involve other stakeholders in school decision-making?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
Governors do not involve other Governors consult with other Governors involve other school We have evidence of how this
stakeholders in school decision- school stakeholders, including stakeholders, in school decision- contributes to school improvement and
making. Communications focus on pupils, teachers and staff, parents making. Stakeholders’ community development. We share our
keeping other stakeholders and carers, and the community, recommendations are acted upon. practice with others.
informed of governors’ decisions. when making decisions.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 16
2.4 To what extent do parents and carers participate in school decision-making?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
Communication with parents and We have a strategy or Parents and carers participate fully in We have evidence of how this
carers tells them about what’s mechanism for the participation of school decision-making. We act upon contributes to school improvement and
happening at school. parents and carers in many their recommendations. We have community development. We share our
aspects of school decision- evidence of how this benefits parents practice with others.
making. We regularly solicit their and carers.
comments and suggestions about
a range of school issues.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 17
2.5 To what extent does the wider school community participate in school decision-making?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
Communication with the wider We have a strategy or The wider community participates fully We have evidence of how this
school community tells them about mechanism for the participation of in school decision-making. We act upon contributes to school improvement and
what’s happening at school. the wider school community in their recommendations. We have community development. We share our
many aspects of decision-making. evidence of how this benefits the wider practice with others.
We regularly solicit comments community.
and suggestions about a range of
school community issues.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 18
 Achievement and standards
Sustainable development offers a real-life context that can make learning more meaningful and relevant. It can enhance pupils’ enjoyment and
progress, and build practical life skills.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools use their efforts to develop a sustainable school to motivate pupils, enhance their enjoyment of
learning and ultimately raise achievement and standards.

Background
The link between a sustainable school and achievement and standards
takes two forms. make learning more interesting and relevant for young people. Pupils’
engagement with and enjoyment of such subjects in and outside the
The first concerns improvements in pupil attentiveness and concentration classroom enhances their achievement, and produces better pupil
through the use of natural light and ventilation, improvement of indoor air behaviour and greater job satisfaction among teachers and school staff. All
quality, availability of nutritious food, and higher levels of pupil fitness. of these can contribute to improved standards.

The second concerns how real-life sustainable development issues can These benefits are supported by international research and a growing
body of practitioner evidence in England.

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3.1 To what extent do our efforts to promote sustainable development improve standards and
enhance pupils’ achievement?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We have a strategy or We develop our pupils’ understanding of We have evidence of how this approach
just begun to consider, how a mechanism to promote sustainable development using the full influences standards and how this
commitment to sustainable sustainable development in and range of different kinds of learning. We benefits our school and the community.
development could influence outside the classroom to influence have evidence of how this benefits We share our practice with others.
pupils’ achievement and standards. pupils’ achievement and pupils’ achievement.
standards.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 20
 Personal development and well-being
Schools are able to cultivate individuals with the values, skills and self-confidence to make positive contributions to their family, their community,
their job, the environment, and the wider world.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools use their promotion of sustainable development to develop pupils’ involvement in their own
learning and to encourage them to make positive contributions to their families, their communities, their workplaces, and the
environment.

Background their circumstances, to have the support they need to be healthy, to stay
Personal well-being is influenced by many factors, not simply physical and safe, to enjoy and achieve, to make a positive contribution to society, and
emotional care, or economic security. The social well-being of pupils (their to achieve economic well-being.
contentedness with family, community and peers) and their environmental
well-being (connectedness with physical surroundings and spaces) are This means that the organisations involved with providing services to
particularly important. children - from hospitals and schools, to police and voluntary groups - will
be teaming up in new ways. They will be working together to protect
So while there are many things a school can do to improve the well-being children and young people from harm and help them achieve what they
of pupils, school remains just one of several places where their well-being want in life. Children and young people will have far more say about issues
is influenced, alongside home, community, and the local environment. that affect them as individuals and collectively than they did previously.
Schools can influence the wider determinants of well-being by providing
extended services and getting involved with school stakeholders in local Of course, young people and pupils are not passive recipients of well-
improvement projects. For example, some schools offer healthy living being. They actively shape it through their chosen behaviour. In this
programmes for parents and the community that complement the healthy context, personal development is a lifelong process of understanding the
school programme. factors that shape well-being, and promoting them in everyday actions.
Schools are well-placed to accelerate and deepen this process in young
In its 2005 publication, Every Child Matters, The Department for Education people.
and Skills set out a new approach for promoting the well-being of children
and young people from birth to age 19. Questions 4.1 to 4.5 cover different aspects of personal development and
well being, including: healthy living (4.1), staying safe (4.2), enjoyment of
The Government's aim is for every child, whatever their background or learning (4.3), active citizenship (4.4), and careers and lifestyle (4.5).

4.1
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To what extent do our efforts to promote sustainable development contribute to
healthy living?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We recognise the links between We have drawn up healthy living A healthy community supports healthy
just begun to consider, the links sustainable development and principles as part of our school practice. pupils, and we involve the school and
between sustainable development healthy living. We use healthy- We have evidence of how this benefits the local community in practical projects
and healthy living. school standards and materials to pupils and others in the school that support healthy living. We have
address the needs and choices of community, and school operation and evidence of how this benefits our school
our pupils through curriculum- performance. and the community. We share our
based and extra-curricular practice with others.
activities.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 22
To what extent do our efforts to promote sustainable development contribute to
4.2
pupil safety?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We recognise the links between It is part of our school’s practice that We work with local community to tackle
just begun to consider, the links sustainable development and everyone at school – including pupils – issues of personal safety, security and
between sustainable development safety. We implement a safety is involved in issues of personal safety community well-being. We have
and a safe and supportive learning and security strategy, and we and security. We have evidence of how evidence of how this benefits our school
environment. require school managers, this benefits pupils, others in the school and the community. We share our
teachers and staff to maintain a community, and the school practice with others.
safe and supporting learning environment.
environment.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 23
4.3 To what extent do our efforts to promote sustainable development contribute to pupils’
enjoyment of learning?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We recognise that sustainable We regularly use sustainable We work with parents, carers,
just begun to consider, ways that development can enhance pupils’ development issues as a means of governors and the local community to
sustainable development themes enjoyment of learning. We value getting pupils excited about learning. enhance enjoyment of learning
and projects can help pupils’ and offer learning opportunities – We have evidence of how this benefits throughout life. We have evidence of
enjoyment of learning. in and outside the classroom – pupils’ achievement and school how this benefits our school and the
that engage pupils in exciting and operation and performance. community. We share our practice with
appropriate challenges. We others.
encourage teachers and staff to
work together to achieve this.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 24
4.4 To what extent do our efforts to promote sustainable development contribute to active
citizenship and local improvement?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We recognise that sustainable We support pupils in their exploration of We work with the local community to
just begun to consider ways that development can enhance our citizenship and local improvement identify and address priority local
sustainable development themes efforts to promote active issues through out-of-classroom improvement issues. We have evidence
and projects can promote active citizenship. We follow all statutory learning. We have evidence of how this of how this benefits our school and the
citizenship and better prepare requirements for the citizenship benefits pupils’ achievement and school community. We share our practice with
pupils for participation in their local curriculum, and we offer operation and performance. others.
communities. opportunities for pupils to explore
local improvement issues through
classroom-based activities.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 25
4.5 To what extent do our efforts to promote sustainable development help us explore professions
and career options with pupils?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We encourage pupils to use a We consider the concept and practice of We involve the local community and
just begun to consider, the links range of thinking skills in their sustainable lifestyles in the context of local businesses in our exploration and
between different professional exploration of professions and the school-based workforce. We have practice of sustainable lifestyles. We
roles and sustainable career options, and we consider evidence of how this benefits pupils’ have evidence of how this benefits our
development, and how we might the concept and practice of achievement and school operation and school and the community. We share
introduce sustainable development sustainable lifestyles within the performance. our practice with others.
into our career guidance for pupils. context of the local and global
workforce and economy.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 26
 Quality of provision
Sustainable development offers opportunities to explore the local and global contexts of real-life issues. Teaching and learning practices can be
tailored to pupils’ needs and interests to help them actively to contribute to a sustainable society.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools view the whole curriculum and extra-curricular activities as a means of providing an education
for sustainable development, using personalised approaches that enable pupils to develop knowledge, skills, values and attitudes
through experience.

Background
Every subject has something to offer young people to help them to heart of the learning process, making pupils increasingly
thrive in a future where issues of sustainability will be increasingly responsible for the development and assessment of their own
compelling. learning.

A curriculum designed to achieve this would differ from that which is Education for sustainable development is an overarching aim of the
currently in many schools. National Curriculum, as well as an aspect of four statutory subjects:
geography, science, citizenship and design & technology. Through
It would provide more opportunities to develop the multi-disciplinary, the rich, enjoyable experience of learning at school, young people
problem-based skills needed to tackle real-world challenges. It can gain essential skills for employment and life, while growing to
would offer pupils opportunities to apply a full range of thinking skills understand the wider determinants of their well-being.
to practical real-life problem-solving. It would challenge pupils to
develop strategies for effective independent working, as well as Questions 5.1 to 5.4 consider many aspects of quality provision,
cooperative team working. It would draw fully on the school’s including: education for sustainable development provision (5.1), the
buildings and grounds, its surroundings and local community as a role of pupils’ interests (5.2), competencies for contributing to the
learning resource, bringing learning to life in the form of practical community (5.3), and engaging pupils with special education needs
applications. And it would place pupils and their community at the and/or disabilities (5.4).

Page 27
5.1 To what extent does your school provide an education for sustainable development in the
delivery of the National Curriculum?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We do not adequately cover We address sustainable We require sustainable development We use sustainable development in and
sustainable development in our development concepts and skills concepts and skills – and their outside the classroom as a context for
delivery of the National Curriculum. – and their associated values and associated values and attitudes – to be learning. We have evidence of how this
attitudes – in the science, covered in all or most subject areas. We benefits our school and the community.
geography, citizenship and design take a multi-disciplinary and integrated We share our practice with others.
& technology curricula. approach to teaching sustainable
development. We have evidence of how
this benefits pupils’ achievement and
school operation and performance.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 28
5.2 To what extent are our curricular and extra-curricular activities driven by pupils’ interests in
sustainability issues?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We do not provide curricular We provide curricular We provide curricular and extra- We provide curricular and extra-
opportunities for pupils to identify opportunities for pupils to identify curricular opportunities for pupils to curricular opportunities for pupils to
and explore sustainability issues of and explore sustainability issues work independently and collaboratively work independently and collaboratively
interest to them. of interest to them. to identify, explore and address to identify, explore and address
sustainability issues. We have evidence sustainability issues of interest to the
of how this benefits pupils’ achievement community. We have evidence of how
and school operation and performance. this benefits our school improvement
and the community. We share our
practice with others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 29
To what extent do you enhance pupils’ capacities to make positive contributions to the places
5.3
where they live?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not identified those skills We have identified essential skills We understand and recognise those We work with our local community to
we believe pupils need to make pupils need to contribute to the skills that all members of our school identify and cultivate those skills we all
positive contributions to the places places where they live, and offer need to contribute to the development need to make positive contributions to
where they live. opportunities for pupils to practice of the places where they live. We the sustainable development of the
these skills in curricular and extra- practice these skills and have evidence places where we live and work. We are
curricular activities. of how this benefits pupils’ achievement involved in local community
and the environmental performance of improvement. We have evidence of how
the school. this benefits our school and the
community. We share our practice with
others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

5.4
Page 30
To what extent do your efforts to promote sustainable development inclusively
engage pupils, including those with special education needs or disabilities?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We do not specifically address We have identified and All pupils have many opportunities to We prepare all pupils to realise their full
inclusion or the participation of implemented strategies through explore sustainability issues and to potential as contributors to sustainable
pupils with special education which all pupils can explore and contribute to the whole school development. We have evidence of how
needs or disabilities in our address sustainability issues. community’s efforts to promote this benefits our school and the
provision of education for sustainable development. We have community. We share our practice with
sustainable development. evidence of how this benefits pupils’ others.
achievement and school operation and
performance.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 31
 Leadership and management
Sustainable development is central to lasting school improvement. The most effective way for schools to improve their sustainability is to adopt
a style of leadership and management that integrates the curriculum, the campus and the community.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools develop leadership and management practices that recognise as complementary goals the
achievements of learners and their well-being, teaching excellence, the environmental performance of the school estate, staff
development, and community improvement.

Background

efficiency and effectiveness. They also can enhance the school’s


A key responsibility of school leaders is to recognise and capitalise
environmental performance and make significant contributions to
on the learning opportunities offered by complementary links
national and local sustainable development targets.
between the curriculum, campus and community. These links, or
synergies, have the potential to inform and enhance the school’s
Fundamental to this is building the leadership capacity of the
character, the roles and views of stakeholders, the school’s
teachers, school staff, and the school community to participate in
achievements and standards, pupils’ personal development and
and support this systemic approach to sustainable development and
well-being, the quality of provision, and the school’s overall
school improvement.

A series of ten focused self-evaluations is offered to help you better grade your Leadership and Management performance. These
are:

F.1: Focus on food and drink F.6: Focus on school buildings


F.2: Focus on energy F.7: Focus on school grounds
F.3: Focus on water F.8: Focus on inclusion and participation
F.4: Focus on travel and traffic F.9: Focus on local well-being
F.5: Focus on purchasing and waste F.10: Focus on the global dimension

6.1
Page 32
What is the overall effectiveness and efficiency of our leadership and management of
sustainable development in school?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

After grading the next question, you will need to complete the series of focused evaluations (F1 – F10) that follow, and consider the degree to which you
integrate the curriculum, campus and community in specific aspects of your efforts to develop a sustainable school.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have Our leadership and management We recognise and develop the Our leadership and management
just begun to consider, how practices incorporate sustainable leadership capacity of our staff to practices are guided by the principles of
leadership and management development issues, and we are integrate sustainable development sustainable development. We have
practices should take account of taking steps to strengthen our across the curriculum, campus and evidence of how this benefits our school
sustainable development. capacity in this area. community. We have evidence of how and the community. We share our
this benefits pupils’ achievement and practice with others.
school operation and performance.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 33
F1

Leadership and management: Focus on food and drink


An unhealthy diet contributes to obesity and poor pupil concentration. Healthy, ethically sourced food can offer high nutritional benefits while
protecting the environment and supporting local producers and suppliers.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community to be model suppliers of healthy, local
and sustainable food and drink. Food should, where possible, be produced or prepared on site. Schools should show strong commitments to
the environment, social responsibility and animal welfare. They should also seek to increase their involvement with local suppliers.

Before rating your school’s performance on food and drink, consider the following aspects of practice. Reflecting on
these questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of your practice
forward.
Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school curriculum address healthy  Have you undertaken an audit of school food and  Does the school use its communications,
and sustainable food, drink and living issues and drink that takes account of nutritional standards and services, contracts and partnerships to promote
reinforce these through positive activities in the sustainability? awareness of the wider impacts of food and drink
local area?  Does your school improvement plan address choices among its stakeholders?
 Does professional development address healthy and sustainable food and drink, with  Does the school have links with the local
performance targets that address human health, the authority or with outside bodies that support
healthy and sustainable food and drink issues
environment, the local economy, animal welfare and schools’ efforts to become models of healthy and
through the curriculum and in extra-curricular
working with local suppliers to provide options that sustainable food and drink?
activities? meet the highest standards?
 Does the school use information about its own  Does the school monitor its healthy and
food and drink provision in the curriculum, across sustainable food and drink plan and report on its
key stages and subject areas? progress toward agreed performance targets?
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes  Does professional development prepare staff
that address healthy and sustainable food and members to contribute to the healthy and sustainable
drink issues? food and drink plan?
 Is healthy and sustainable food and drink planning
and management included in the remit of the school’s
sustainable development co-ordinator, or part of a
named person’s job description?

Page 34
F1 To what extent have you integrated healthy and sustainable food and drink across the
curriculum, campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We have audited our school We involve pupils, staff and health We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an meals, food and drink. We have professionals in the implementation and community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to sustainable involved pupils, staff and the monitoring of our sustainable and learned to their own lives. We
and healthy school meals and food wider community in the healthy school meals, food and drink periodically assess and update our plan
and drink management could development of a plan to achieve plan. We have evidence of how this and curriculum. We have evidence of
benefit our school. our targets for sustainable and benefits pupils’ health and achievement how this benefits school improvement
healthy school meals, and food and school operation and performance. and the community. We share our
and water provision. We address practice with others.
sustainable food and drink in the
curriculum.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 35
F2

Leadership and management: Focus on energy


Rising demand for energy is storing up problems for future generations. Energy conservation can tackle this problem while saving the school
money.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community in order to be models of
energy efficiency and renewable energy use. They should take the lead in their communities in their use of low-energy equipment
and passive energy designs as well as wind, solar, bio-fuel and other appropriate renewable energy sources.
Before rating your school’s performance on energy, consider the following aspects of practice. Reflecting on these
questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of your practice forward.

Curriculum Campus Community


 Does the school use its communications,
 Does the school use the curriculum to cultivate  Have you undertaken a whole-school energy services, contracts and partnerships to promote
the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes pupils audit? awareness of sustainable energy among its
need to use energy wisely?  Does your school improvement plan address stakeholders?
 Does professional development enable staff to energy conservation, with performance targets for  Does the school have links with the local
address energy issues through the curriculum and energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy authority or with outside bodies that support
in extra-curricular activities? alternatives? schools ‘efforts to reduce energy use or increase
 Does the school use its own energy  Does the school monitor its energy use and renewable energy use?
conservation measures in the curriculum, across report on its progress toward agreed performance
key stages and subject areas? targets?
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes to  Does professional development prepare staff
minimise energy consumption? members to contribute to the energy conservation
action plan?
 Is energy management included in the remit of
the school’s sustainable development co-ordinator,
or part of a named person’s job description?

F2
Page 36
To what extent have you integrated energy issues and energy management across the
curriculum, campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We have audited and understand We involve pupils and staff in the We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an our school’s energy use. We have implementation and monitoring of our community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to energy involved pupils, staff and the energy conservation plan. We have learned about energy conservation to
management could benefit our wider community in the evidence of how this benefits pupils’ their own lives. We periodically assess
school. development of a plan to achieve achievement and school operation and and update our plan and curriculum. We
our energy targets. We address performance. have evidence of how this benefits
energy issues and energy school improvement and the
management in the curriculum. community. We share our practice with
others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 37
F3

Leadership and management: Focus on water


Rising demand for water is storing up problems for future generations. Water conservation can tackle this problem while saving the school
money.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community in order to be models of
water management. They should take the lead in their communities in freshwater conservation, rainwater use, and other water
conservation measures.

Before rating your school’s performance on water, consider the following aspects of practice. Reflecting on these
questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of your practice forward.

Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school use the curriculum to  Have you undertaken a whole school water-  Does the school use its communications,
address sustainable water use? use audit? services, contracts and partnerships to
 Does professional development enable  Does your school improvement plan address promote awareness of sustainable water use
staff to actively address water issues through water conservation, with performance targets among its stakeholders?
the curriculum and in extra-curricular that address fresh water use efficiency, and rain  Does the school have links with the local
activities? water and waste water management? authority or with outside bodies that support
 Does the school use its own water  Does the school monitor its water use and schools’ efforts to reduce fresh water use,
conservation measures in the curriculum, report on its progress toward agreed make better use of rainwater or more
across key stages and subject areas? performance targets? effectively manage wastewater?
 Does professional development prepare staff
 Are teachers and pupils involved in
members to contribute to the water conservation
schemes to minimise water consumption?
action plan?
 Is water management included in the remit of
the school’s sustainable development co-
ordinator, or part of a named person’s job
description?

F3
Page 38
To what extent have you integrated water issues and water management across the curriculum,
campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We have audited and understand We involve pupils and staff in the We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an our school’s water use. We have implementation and monitoring of our community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to water involved pupils, staff and the water conservation plan. We have learned about water conservation to
management could benefit our wider community in the evidence of how this benefits pupils’ their own lives. We periodically assess
school. development of a plan to achieve achievement and school operation and and update our plan and curriculum. We
our water conservation targets. performance. have evidence of how this benefits
We address water issues and school improvement and the
water management in the community. We share our practice with
curriculum. others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 39
F4

Leadership and management: Focus on travel and traffic


Rising vehicle use adds to road congestion, road accidents and pollution. Car-sharing and public transportation help ease these concerns, while
walking and cycling also boost fitness and well-being.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community, in order to be models of
sustainable travel, where vehicles are used only when absolutely necessary and where there are exemplary facilities for healthier,
less polluting or less dangerous modes of transport.

Before rating your school’s performance on travel and traffic, consider the following aspects of practice. Reflecting
on these questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of your practice
forward.
Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school use the curriculum to  Have you undertaken a school travel audit?  Does the school use its communications,
address travel and traffic issues and reinforce  Does your school improvement plan address services, contracts and partnerships to promote
this through activities in the school and in the school travel , or do you have a separate school awareness of travel decisions among its
local area? travel plan with performance targets for walking, stakeholders?
 Does professional development enable staff cycling, car-sharing and public transport, aimed  Does the school have links with the local
to address travel and traffic issues through the at lessening your environmental impact and authority or with outside bodies that support
curriculum and in extra-curricular activities? promoting healthier lifestyles? schools’ efforts to become models of sustainable
 Does the school use its own travel policies  Does the school monitor its travel plan and travel?
and measures in the curriculum, across key report on its progress toward agreed
stages and subject areas? performance targets?
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes  Does professional development prepare staff
to address school travel issues? members to contribute to the school travel plan?
 Is management of the school travel plan
included in the remit of the school’s sustainable
development co-ordinator, or part of a named
person’s job description?

Page 40
F4 To what extent have you integrated school travel plans and traffic management across the
curriculum, campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We have audited our own We involve pupils and staff in the We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an school’s travel practices and implementation and monitoring of our community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to transport traffic issues. We have involved school travel plan. We have evidence of learned about travel sustainability
and travel could benefit our school. pupils, staff and the wider how this benefits pupils’ achievement issues to their own lives. We periodically
community in the development of and school operation and performance. assess and update our plan and
a plan to achieve our school curriculum. We have evidence of how
travel plan targets. We address this benefits school improvement and
transport and travel issues in the the community. We share our practice
curriculum. with others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 41
F5

Leadership and management: Focus on purchasing and waste


Waste, and the throw-away culture that encourages it, can be tackled through sustainable consumption. Schools can reduce costs and support
markets for ethical goods and services at the same time.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community in order to be models of the
efficient use of resources. We recommend that schools use goods with a low impact on the environment, that they minimise or eliminate
disposable packaging, that they source goods from local suppliers where practicable, and that they recycle, repair and reuse as much as possible.
Before rating your school’s performance on purchasing and waste, consider the following aspects of practice.
Reflecting on these questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of
your practice forward.

Page 42
Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school use the curriculum to address  Have you undertaken a purchasing and waste  Does the school use its communications,
sustainable consumption and waste issues, and audit? services, contracts and partnerships to promote
reinforce this through activities in the school and in  Does the school improvement plan address awareness of sustainable consumption and waste
the local area? sustainable purchasing and waste management, minimisation among its stakeholders?
 Does professional development enable staff to with performance targets that address whole-life  Does the school have links with the local
address sustainable purchasing and waste costs, the local economy and waste minimisation? authority or with outside bodies that support
management issues through the curriculum and in  Does the school monitor its sustainable schools’ efforts to become models of sustainable
extra-curricular activities? purchasing and waste management plan and purchasing and waste management?
 Does the school use its own purchasing and report on its progress toward agreed performance
waste policies in the curriculum, across key stages targets?
and subject areas?  Does professional development prepare staff
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes to members to contribute to the sustainable
actively address sustainable purchasing and waste purchasing and waste management plan?
management issues?  Is sustainable purchasing and waste
management included in the remit of the school’s
sustainable development co-ordinator, or part of a
named person’s job description?

F5 To what extent have you integrated sustainable purchasing and waste management across the
curriculum, campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding

Page 43
We have not considered, or have We have audited and understand We involve pupils and staff in the We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an our school’s purchasing practices implementation and monitoring of our community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to and our use of consumables. We school’s sustainable procurement and learned about purchasing and waste to
procurement, consumption and have involved pupils, staff and the consumption targets and our their own lives. We periodically assess
waste management could benefit wider community in monitoring sustainable waste targets. We have our performance and update our plan
our school. procurement and consumption evidence of how this benefits pupils’ and curriculum. We have evidence of
and eliminating waste. We achievement and school operation and how this benefits school improvement
address consumption and waste performance. and the community. We share our
issues in the curriculum. practice with others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

F6

Leadership and management: Focus on school buildings


School buildings – both old and new – have the power to teach through the observable use of sustainable design principles, choice of
appropriate technologies, use of interior furnishings and environmental management.

Recommendation

Page 44
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community to create school buildings
that show pupils what a sustainable lifestyle means through their involvement in the continual improvement of the school estate.
Before rating your school’s performance on school buildings, consider the following aspects of practice. Reflecting
on these questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of your practice
forward.

Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school use the curriculum to help  Have you undertaken a sustainable school  Does the school use its communications,
pupils to understand the links between the built building audit prior to refurbishment or new build services, contracts and partnerships to promote
and natural environment and to encourage them to projects? awareness of good environmental design and
improve the sustainability of the built environment  Does your school improvement plan address practices in buildings among its stakeholders?
in school and in the local area? the sustainable development of the school  Does the school have links with the local
 Does professional development enable staff to buildings, with performance targets that address authority and with outside bodies that support
address sustainable school building issues through the well-being, health, achievement and enjoyment schools’ efforts become models of sustainable
the curriculum and in extra-curricular activities? of pupils and staff? school design, build and management?
 Does the school use its own building design,  Does the school monitor its sustainable school
construction, and management experience in the building development plan and report on its
curriculum, across key stages and subject areas? progress toward agreed performance targets?
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes to  Does professional development prepare staff
actively address sustainable school design, members to contribute to the sustainable school
building and management issues? building development plan?

F6 To what extent do you integrate school design, construction and management across the
curriculum, campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Page 45
Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We have audited and understand We involve pupils and staff in the We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an the sustainable design, implementation and monitoring of our community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to sustainable construction and management of sustainable building development plans. learned to the built environments where
building design, construction and our existing buildings and planned We have evidence of how this benefits they live and work. We periodically
management could benefit our renovation and construction pupils’ achievement and school assess and update our plans and
school. projects. We have involved pupils, operation and performance. curriculum. We have evidence of how
staff and the wider community in this benefits school improvement and
the development of a plan to the community. We share our practice
achieve our sustainable buildings with others.
targets. We address sustainable
building and design issues in the
curriculum.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

F7

Leadership and management: Focus on school grounds


The design, development, use and maintenance of school grounds has the power to teach through the observable use of sustainable design
principles, to significantly influence the environmental impact of a school, and to contribute to the richness of opportunities available to pupils
and the community for learning and play.

Page 46
Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community to create school grounds
where pupils can see what a sustainable lifestyle means through their involvement in the continual improvement of the grounds and
where they can observe the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation.
Before rating your school’s performance on school grounds, consider the following aspects of practice. Reflecting on
these questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of your practice
forward.

Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school use the curriculum to help  Have you undertaken a sustainable school  Does the school use its communications,
pupils understand the links between the built and grounds audit? services, contracts and partnerships to promote
natural environment, and to improve the  Does your school improvement plan address awareness of good environmental design and
sustainability of the natural environment through sustainable school grounds development, with practices in managed landscapes among its
conservation and maintenance projects at school performance targets that address the health and stakeholders?
and in the local area? well-being of pupils and staff, the health of the  Does the school have links with the local
 Does professional development enable staff to local environment, the environmental performance authority and with outside bodies that support
actively address sustainable school grounds of the school, and action steps to enhance the schools’ efforts to develop and manage
issues through the curriculum and in extra- school grounds for the benefit of pupils and sustainable school grounds?
curricular activities? biodiversity conservation?
 Does the school use its own grounds design,  Does the school monitor its sustainable school
construction, and management experience in the grounds development plan and report on its
curriculum, across key stages and subject areas? progress toward agreed performance targets?
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes to  Does professional development prepare staff
actively address sustainable school grounds members to contribute to the sustainable school
design, construction and management issues? grounds development plan?
 Is sustainable school grounds included in the
remit of the school’s sustainable development co-
ordinator, or part of a named person’s job
description?

F7 To what extent do you integrate school grounds design development use and maintenance
across the curriculum, campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are

Page 47
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We have audited and understand We involve pupils and staff in improving We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an the sustainable design, and monitoring our school grounds. We community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to school development and management of have evidence of how this benefits learned to the outdoor environments
grounds design, development and the school grounds. We have pupils’ achievement and school where they live and work. We
management could benefit our involved pupils, staff and the operation and performance. periodically assess and update our
school. wider community in developing plans and curriculum. We have
and managing the school grounds evidence of how this benefits school
and in improving biodiversity. We improvement and the community. We
address school grounds share our practice with others.
development and biodiversity
conservation in the curriculum.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

F8

Leadership and management: Focus on inclusion and participation

Page 48
Schools can promote community cohesion by providing an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere that values everyone’s participation and
contributions, and challenges prejudice and injustice in all its forms.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community, in order to be models of
social inclusion, enabling all pupils to participate fully in school life while instilling a long-lasting respect for human rights, freedom
and creative expression.
Before rating your school’s performance on inclusion, consider the following aspects of practice. Reflecting on these
questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of your practice forward.

Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school use the curriculum to address  Have you undertaken an inclusion and  Does the school use its communications,
issues of diversity and injustice, to actively participation audit? services, contracts and partnerships to promote
participate in school decision-making, and to  Does your school improvement plan address the values of inclusion and respect for diversity
contribute to sustainable development in school inclusion and participation, with policies and among its stakeholders?
and in the community? actions that address diversity, cultural respect, the  Does the school have links with the local
 Does professional development enable staff to school community’s participation in decision- authority and with outside bodies that support
address inclusion and participation issues through making, and the pupils’ and staffs’ enjoyment of schools’ efforts to address inclusion and
the curriculum and in extra-curricular activities? their day-to-day school experience? participation issues?
 Does the school use its own efforts to address  Does the school monitor inclusion and
inclusion issues in the curriculum, across key participation and report on its progress?
stages and subject areas?  Does professional development prepare staff
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes to members to promote inclusion and participation?
actively address inclusion and participation issues?  Is inclusion and participation included in the
remit of the school’s sustainable development co-
ordinator, or part of a named person’s job
description?

Page 49
F8 To what extent do you address inclusion and participation across the curriculum, campus and
community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We monitor inclusion and We involve pupils and staff in the We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an participation practices. We have implementation and monitoring of community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to inclusion involved pupils, staff and the inclusion and participation. We have learned about inclusion and
and participation could benefit our wider community in the promotion evidence of how this benefits pupils’ participation. We periodically assess our
school. of inclusion and participation. We performance and school operation and performance and curriculum. We have
address inclusion and performance. evidence of how this benefits school
participation in the curriculum. improvement and the community. We
share our practice with others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 50
F9

Leadership and management: Focus on local well-being


With their central locations and often extensive facilities, schools can act as hubs of learning and change in their local communities, contributing
to the environment and quality of life.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community in order to be models of
good corporate citizenship within their local areas, enriching their educational mission with active support for the well-being of the
local community and environment.
Before rating your school’s performance on local well-being, consider the following aspects of practice. Reflecting
on these questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of your practice
forward.

Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school use the curriculum to address  Have you undertaken an audit of your school’s  Does the school use its communications,
local issues and challenges? involvement in fostering local well-being? services, contracts and partnerships to promote
 Does professional development enable staff to  Does your school improvement plan address awareness bout local environmental and social
address local well-being issues through the local well-being, and do school policies address challenges among its stakeholders?
curriculum and in extra-curricular activities? the role of the school in community development?  Does the school have links with the local
 Does the school use its own efforts to promote  Does the school monitor and report on its authority or with outside bodies that support
local well-being in the curriculum, across key contributions to community development and local schools’ efforts to promote local well-being?
stages and subject areas? well-being?
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes to  Does professional development prepare staff
actively promote local well-being? members to contribute to the community
development and local well-being plan?
 Is community development included in the remit
of the school’s sustainable development co-
ordinator, or part of a named person’s job
description?

Page 51
F9 To what extent do you address local well-being across the curriculum, campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We monitor the impact of our We involve pupils and staff in the We encourage pupils, staff and the
just begun to consider, how an school and its practices on local promotion and monitoring of local well- community to apply what they’ve
integrated approach to local well- well-being. We have involved being. We have evidence of how this learned about local well-being. We
being could benefit our school. pupils, staff and the wider benefits pupils’ performance and school periodically assess our performance
community in the promotion of operation and performance. and curriculum. We have evidence of
local well-being. We address local how this benefits school improvement
well-being and community and the community. We share our
development in the curriculum. practice with others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 52
F10

Leadership and management: Focus on the global dimension


Growing interdependence between countries changes the way we view the world, including our own culture. Schools can respond by
developing a responsible, international outlook among young people, based upon an appreciation of the global impact of their personal values,
choices and behaviours.

Recommendation
Our recommendation is that schools integrate their efforts across the curriculum, campus and community in order to be models of
good global citizenship, enriching their educational mission with active support for the well-being of the global environment and
community.
Before rating your school’s performance on the global dimension, consider the following aspects of practice.
Reflecting on these questions may help you explain your rating, as well as provide ideas for taking this aspect of
your practice forward.

Curriculum Campus Community

 Does the school use the curriculum to help  Have you undertaken an audit of your school’s  Does the school use its communications,
pupils to appreciate and respond positively to global outlook? services, contracts and partnerships to promote
global interdependence?  Does your school improvement plan address respect for diverse cultures, countries and the
 Does professional development enable staff to the global dimension, and do you have policies global environment among its stakeholders?
actively address the global dimension through the that address the global impact of your school’s  Does the school have links with the local
curriculum and in extra-curricular activities? management and purchasing policies? authority or with outside bodies that support
 Does the school use its own experience  Does the school monitor and report progress schools’ efforts to promote a global dimension to
cultivating a global outlook in the curriculum, toward its development of a global outlook? the school’s provision and practice?
across key stages and subject areas?  Does professional development prepare staff
 Are teachers and pupils involved in schemes to members to address the global dimension in all
address the global dimensions of our everyday aspects of school life?
lives?  Is the global dimension included in the remit of
the school’s sustainable development co-ordinator,
or part of a named person’s job description?

Page 53
F10 To what extent do you address the global dimension, and integrate global citizenship across the
curriculum, campus and community?
There are four levels: getting started, satisfactory, good and outstanding. An example is offered for each grade level. The examples are
progressive. So, for example, a grade of ‘outstanding’ implies that you also have achieved the performance standard described as ‘satisfactory’
and ‘good’.

Grade
getting started satisfactory good outstanding
We have not considered, or have We monitor the ways our school We involve pupils and staff in promoting We take a leadership role, recognising
just begun to consider, how an addresses the global dimension an interest in the global dimension. We ‘the global in the local’. We encourage
integrated approach to the global through provision and practices. have evidence of how this benefits pupils, staff and the community to apply
dimension could benefit our We have involved pupils, staff pupils’ performance and school what they’ve learned about global
school. and the wider community in operation and performance. issues. We periodically assess and
recognising and addressing the improve our performance and
global dimension in all aspects of curriculum. We have evidence of how
school life. We address global this benefits school improvement and
issues across the curriculum. the community. We share our practice
with others.

Explain your grade. Write an evaluative statement and include references to relevant evidence or data.

What are your key priorities for development?

Page 54
Further resources
www.britishcouncil.org/education/schools/award.htm
Sustainable schools area of TeacherNet
www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools

Government information on sustainable development

Web portal: www.sustainable-development.gov.uk

Independent advisor and watchdog: www.sd-commission.gov.uk

Sustainable development indicators: www.sustainable-


development.gov.uk/progress/index.htm

DfES policy and sustainable development action plan:


www.dfes.gov.uk/aboutus/sd

Other useful sites:

Eco-schools: www.eco-schools.org.uk
Learning to Last: www.learning2last.org
Extended schools: www.teachernet.gov.uk/extendedschools
Ofsted: www.ofsted.gov.uk/publications/docs/3389.doc
Every Child Matters: www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
WWF Pathways: www.wwflearning.org.uk/data/files/pathways-310.pdf, is
Global Gateway: www.globalgateway.org.uk also available as an online interactive version, at
www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools/wwftool
Growing Schools: www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools

Healthy Schools: www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk

International schools:

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