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The Skinners’ School Eco-School ESD Policy

 

What is ESD?

A widely used international definition of Education for Sustainability (ESD) is:

‘Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

(The World Commission on Environment and Development, Our Common Future, OUP 1987, p.43)

Statement of Intent

 

This policy is about learning, participation and the development of the individual.  It is also about the development and sustainability of the School Community and its contribution to the wider Global Community.

 

Development Areas: 

These are the main areas of the life of the school that will be affected by the policy:

The 8 Doorways:

1.      Global Dimension

2.      Energy and Water

3.      Local well-being

4.      Purchasing and Waste

5.      Inclusion and Participation

6.      Food and Drink

7.      Traffic and Travel

8.      Buildings and Grounds

 

Key Principles:        

            These principles are adapted from the World Conservation Strategy 2

            (1991) and the UN (1993) Rio Declaration on the Environment and

            Development

o   Improving the quality of life for all

o   Changing personal attitudes and practices

o    Making connections between local and global development issues

o   Promotion of social equity

o   Recognition of the creativity, ideals and courage of young people

o   Participation in management and evaluative processes

o   Respect for the Community of Life and conserving diversity

o   Keeping within the Earth’s carrying capacity

 

1. Curriculum Policy

Our curriculum will reflect the world that we live in.  It will be realistic, varied and challenging for students of all ages and abilities.  A large element of the curriculum will be the developments of competencies for the 21st Century.

Our curriculum will be integrated so that students develop a holistic view of the world.

Our curriculum will be well resourced in terms of staffing, ICT, materials and links with community groups

 

2. Community Policy

The local community is fundamentally important for the success of the School.

We will strive to develop full engagement with the community via the curriculum and our science specialist status.

We see full engagement as being mutually beneficial to the community and the School.

The curriculum will be realistic and reflect the local and global communities.  We expect  community groups to have a significant input into the curriculum and students working on projects in the community.

 

The School will, wherever possible, offer employment and development opportunities to members of the local Community.

 

 


 

 

 

1.  GLOBAL DIMENSION Doorway   

Curriculum and ESD Policy

 

Statement of Intent

Our curriculum is the window on the world for students, staff and parents. It is informed by our Specialisms and our School Ethos.

Our mission is to help our students to develop into mature and responsible global citizens who are fully equipped for the challenges of the 21st Century.

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent Our curriculum is the window on the world for students, staff and parents. It is informed by our Specialisms and our School Ethos. Our mission is to help our students to develop into mature and responsible global citizens who are fully equipped for the challenges of the 21st Century.    

 

 

 

Key Areas and Outcomes

Rooted in Reality

Our curriculum will reflect the world that we live in.  It will be realistic, varied, outward-looking and challenging for students of all ages and abilities.  A large element of the curriculum will be the developments of competencies for the 21st Century. In particular the concept of  global sustainability for the future will be emphasised – particularly with respect to climate change and poverty.

 

 
Text Box: Rooted in Reality Our curriculum will reflect the world that we live in.  It will be realistic, varied, outward-looking and challenging for students of all ages and abilities.  A large element of the curriculum will be the developments of competencies for the 21st Century. In particular the concept of  global sustainability for the future will be emphasised – particularly with respect to climate change and poverty.    

Integrated and Innovative

Our curriculum will be integrated so that students develop a holistic view of the world. Each department will be encouraged to see where Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can be implemented at a personal level, a local level and an international level .

 

 
Text Box: Integrated and Innovative Our curriculum will be integrated so that students develop a holistic view of the world. Each department will be encouraged to see where Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) can be implemented at a personal level, a local level and an international level .    

Targeted

Our ESD curriculum will also be geared towards academic excellence for the individual and the School.

 

 

Text Box: Targeted Our ESD curriculum will also be geared towards academic excellence for the individual and the School.    

Personalised

Our curriculum will be developed to the needs of each individual student of the School.

 

 

Text Box: Personalised Our curriculum will be developed to the needs of each individual student of the School.    

Well Resourced

Our curriculum will be well resourced in terms of staffing, ICT, materials and links with community groups eg Commonwork.

 

 

Text Box: Well Resourced Our curriculum will be well resourced in terms of staffing, ICT, materials and links with community groups eg Commonwork.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. ENERGY and WATER Doorway      

a)    Energy Policy

 

Statement of Intent

All members of the School community should have a very good understanding of the relationship between energy use and greenhouse emissions.

All energy use will be carefully monitored by both pupil survey (Environment Group) and the Bursar ( via KCC Laser Energy web-site).

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent All members of the School community should have a very good understanding of the relationship between energy use and greenhouse emissions. All energy use will be carefully monitored by both pupil survey (Environment Group) and the Bursar ( via KCC Laser Energy web-site).    

 

 

 

 

 Key Areas and Outcomes

Energy in the Curriculum

The Schemes of Work for each department will provide the framework for energy topics throughout the curriculum where appropriate. Eg Year 7 Wind Turbines project, Y10 ‘Footprints’ project.

 

 

Text Box: Energy in the Curriculum The Schemes of Work for each department will provide the framework for energy topics throughout the curriculum where appropriate. Eg Year 7 Wind Turbines project, Y10 ‘Footprints’ project.    

Community

Part of our specialist school community programme will involve developing energy conservation in the home (Y8 DT project).

Installation of wind turbines and pv panels will demonstrate alternatives to fossil fuels.

 

 
Text Box: Community Part of our specialist school community programme will involve developing energy conservation in the home (Y8 DT project). Installation of wind turbines and pv panels will demonstrate alternatives to fossil fuels.    

Transport

Energy consumption in transport to and from the School will be part of our School Travel Plan.

 
Text Box: Transport Energy consumption in transport to and from the School will be part of our School Travel Plan.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b)  Water Policy

 

Statement of Intent

Water is essential for life.

All members of the School community will be expected to conserve water wherever possible and be aware of the importance of water in a global context.

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent Water is essential for life. All members of the School community will be expected to conserve water wherever possible and be aware of the importance of water in a global context.    

 

 

 

 

 

Key Areas and Outcomes

 

Water for Life and learning

Adequate hydration is essential for effective learning. Water consumption will be actively encouraged in lessons.

 

 

Text Box: Water for Life and learning Adequate hydration is essential for effective learning. Water consumption will be actively encouraged in lessons.    

Conservation

Water usage in kitchens, toilets, labs and art rooms will be monitored by the Environment Group. The group will be responsible for suggesting conservation improvements to Bursar where required. Eg proximity –flush urinals.

Text Box: Conservation Water usage in kitchens, toilets, labs and art rooms will be monitored by the Environment Group. The group will be responsible for suggesting conservation improvements to Bursar where required. Eg proximity –flush urinals.

 

 

  

 

 

 

Educational

There are good posters detailing the Water Cycle These are used as part of the student learning. Guest speakers (eg Cath Hassell from EcH2O ) raise awareness of global and local issues.

 

 

Text Box: Educational There are good posters detailing the Water Cycle These are used as part of the student learning. Guest speakers (eg Cath Hassell from EcH2O ) raise awareness of global and local issues.    

 

 

 

3. LOCAL WELL-BEING Doorway    

a)    Relationships Policy

Statement of Intent

Good relationships are the lifeblood of a vibrant and successful community.

All members of the School community should feel capable, listened to, accepted, safe and included.

All members of the community will understand and appreciate the need for relationships of the highest quality.

It is only through excellent relationships that individuals can achieve their potential.

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent Good relationships are the lifeblood of a vibrant and successful community. All members of the School community should feel capable, listened to, accepted, safe and included. All members of the community will understand and appreciate the need for relationships of the highest quality. It is only through excellent relationships that individuals can achieve their potential.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Areas and Outcomes

 

Development of Scientific Literacy

Students need to know and understand their relationship with the environment. Often this requires an element of scientific literacy to disentangle ‘facts’ presented in the media. Scientific Literacy will be promoted as an active part of the science curriculum.

 

 

Text Box: Development of Scientific Literacy Students need to know and understand their relationship with the environment. Often this requires an element of scientific literacy to disentangle ‘facts’ presented in the media. Scientific Literacy will be promoted as an active part of the science curriculum.    

Community Cohesion

At the School we firmly believe that we can only truly become a great school when we have excellent relationships with our local community.  We will strive to develop relationships of the highest quality with the community.

 

The ‘3 Cares’ of local well-being:

bullet Care for yourself
bullet Care for each other
bullet Care for your environment.
Text Box: Community Cohesion At the School we firmly believe that we can only truly become a great school when we have excellent relationships with our local community.  We will strive to develop relationships of the highest quality with the community.   The ‘3 Cares’ of local well-being: Care for yourself Care for each other Care for your environment.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

b)    Community Policy

 

 

Statement of Intent

 The local community is fundamentally important for the success of the School.

We will strive to develop full engagement with the community via the curriculum and other avenues, such as Science Specialism.

We see full engagement as being mutually beneficial to the community and the School.

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent  The local community is fundamentally important for the success of the School. We will strive to develop full engagement with the community via the curriculum and other avenues, such as Science Specialism. We see full engagement as being mutually beneficial to the community and the School.    

 

 

 

 

 

Key Areas and Outcomes

Curriculum Engagement

 The curriculum will be realistic and reflect the local and global communities.  We foresee community groups having a significant input into the curriculum and students working on environmental projects in the community.

 

 

Text Box: Curriculum Engagement  The curriculum will be realistic and reflect the local and global communities.  We foresee community groups having a significant input into the curriculum and students working on environmental projects in the community.    

Employment

 The School will, wherever possible, offer employment and development opportunities to members of the local Community. Kent High Weald Project is a case in point.

 

 

Text Box: Employment  The School will, wherever possible, offer employment and development opportunities to members of the local Community. Kent High Weald Project is a case in point.    

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifelong Learning Opportunities

 The School will be the local hub of provision for lifelong learning opportunities about the environment, health and sustainability.

 

 

Text Box: Lifelong Learning Opportunities  The School will be the local hub of provision for lifelong learning opportunities about the environment, health and sustainability.    

 

 

4. PURCHASING and WASTE Doorway    

a)    Purchasing Policy

 

Statement of Intent

The School has substantial ‘buying power’.  Companies will actively target us as a lucrative market.

We must ensure that our financial resources are used wisely and in ways that benefit our people and planet

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent The School has substantial ‘buying power’.  Companies will actively target us as a lucrative market. We must ensure that our financial resources are used wisely and in ways that benefit our people and planet    

 

 

 

 

 Key Areas and Outcomes

Purchasing for Sustainability

 Careful consideration will be given to the life-span of products and their potential for use and recycling.The same consideration will be given to energy consumption and the environmental impact of its production.

 

 

Text Box: Purchasing for Sustainability  Careful consideration will be given to the life-span of products and their potential for use and recycling.The same consideration will be given to energy consumption and the environmental impact of its production.    

Educational

The purchasing process will be transparent so that students can see the benefits in terms of cost and impact.

 

 

Text Box: Educational The purchasing process will be transparent so that students can see the benefits in terms of cost and impact.    

Justified

All purchases must be justified in terms of student learning and environmental improvement and health impact.

 

Text Box: Justified All purchases must be justified in terms of student learning and environmental improvement and health impact.  

Ethical

Suppliers must be able to demonstrate that they source their products ethically.

 

 

Text Box: Ethical Suppliers must be able to demonstrate that they source their products ethically.    

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b)    Waste Management and Recycling Code

 

Statement of Intent

 Our intention is to become a model of ESD for schools and other institutions.

We will develop procedures based around the Four ‘R’s of REDUCE, REUSE RECYCLE, REPAIR and fully involve students and staff in all aspects.

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent  Our intention is to become a model of ESD for schools and other institutions. We will develop procedures based around the Four ‘R’s of REDUCE, REUSE RECYCLE, REPAIR and fully involve students and staff in all aspects.    

 

 

 

 

 

Key Areas and Outcomes

 

Purchasing to Reduce Waste

 All purchasing will informed by the need for waste reduction. The Bursar  will be consulted and invited to attend eco-committee meetings.

 

 

Text Box: Purchasing to Reduce Waste  All purchasing will informed by the need for waste reduction. The Bursar  will be consulted and invited to attend eco-committee meetings.    

Reuse and Recycling

All members of the School community will be encouraged to be creative in their reuse of materials.  What cannot be reused will be recycled whenever practical to do so.

 There will be plenty of bins to facilitate the recycling of paper, cans and plastics etc

The re-cycling of mobile phones has already been instigated (Fones4School).

 

Text Box: Reuse and Recycling All members of the School community will be encouraged to be creative in their reuse of materials.  What cannot be reused will be recycled whenever practical to do so.  There will be plenty of bins to facilitate the recycling of paper, cans and plastics etc The re-cycling of mobile phones has already been instigated (Fones4School).  

Biodegradability

Wherever possible biodegradable products will be used ( eg Ecover products currently used by cleaning staff). 

 

 

Text Box: Biodegradability Wherever possible biodegradable products will be used ( eg Ecover products currently used by cleaning staff).     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. INCLUSION and PARTICIPATION Doorway   

Participation Policy

  

Statement of Intent

 To be a student at the School is to participate.  All students are expected to take part in all aspects of School life appropriate to them. Participation in sustainable actions would mean all students and staff doing their bit to pick up litter, turn off lights, close doors, use public transport etc.

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent  To be a student at the School is to participate.  All students are expected to take part in all aspects of School life appropriate to them. Participation in sustainable actions would mean all students and staff doing their bit to pick up litter, turn off lights, close doors, use public transport etc.    

 

 

 

 

 Key Areas and Outcomes

 

Curriculum

 The School curriculum is competence based and will involve a substantial element of collaborative work to put across ideas about sustainability.  This work will be in face to face and in on line situations.

 

 

Text Box: Curriculum  The School curriculum is competence based and will involve a substantial element of collaborative work to put across ideas about sustainability.  This work will be in face to face and in on line situations.    

 

 

 

 

Community

The community is an integral component of all learning in the School.  We can only learn from the community if we are engaged with it.  Participation in various community projects (eg School Travel Plan, Oakley Special School, or Kent High Weald projects) are thus essential to progress.

 

 

Text Box: Community The community is an integral component of all learning in the School.  We can only learn from the community if we are engaged with it.  Participation in various community projects (eg School Travel Plan, Oakley Special School, or Kent High Weald projects) are thus essential to progress.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. FOOD and DRINK Doorway    

Health and Food Policy

 

Statement of Intent

 At the School we believe that good diet and physical and mental health are fundamental to effective learning.

We also believe that the food we eat should have as little environmental impact as possible

The School is a strictly no smoking, drug-free institution.

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent  At the School we believe that good diet and physical and mental health are fundamental to effective learning. We also believe that the food we eat should have as little environmental impact as possible The School is a strictly no smoking, drug-free institution.  

 

 

 

 

 

Key Areas and Outcomes

Source Food Ethically

Food served in the School will be, as far as is practicable for the catering company, be either locally produced or of Fair Trade origin

 

 

Text Box: Source Food Ethically Food served in the School will be, as far as is practicable for the catering company, be either locally produced or of Fair Trade origin    

Sweets, Crisps and Fizzy Drinks

Will not be served in the School, nor will students be encouraged to bring them on the premises. Poster campaigns in the dining hall will target this area.

 

 

Text Box: Sweets, Crisps and Fizzy Drinks Will not be served in the School, nor will students be encouraged to bring them on the premises. Poster campaigns in the dining hall will target this area.    

Exercise

As well as their statutory PE lessons all students will be strongly encouraged to exercise regularly.  The encouragement will be sensitive to individual needs

 

 

 

Text Box: Exercise As well as their statutory PE lessons all students will be strongly encouraged to exercise regularly.  The encouragement will be sensitive to individual needs      

Ingredients will be Targeted

We will work with our caterers to strive to reduce fat, salt, sugar and calories in all food provided in the School.

 

 

Text Box: Ingredients will be Targeted We will work with our caterers to strive to reduce fat, salt, sugar and calories in all food provided in the School.    

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psychological Well-being

Everyone needs to feel that they belong and that they are valued.  We will promote an Ethos in which every person is valued for their individuality.

 

Text Box: Psychological Well-being Everyone needs to feel that they belong and that they are valued.  We will promote an Ethos in which every person is valued for their individuality.  

 

 

 

7. TRAFFIC and TRAVEL Doorway    

Transport Policy

(this policy is part of the overall School Travel Plan in a separate document)

 

Statement of Intent

Transport is an essential part of human social life.  We firmly believe that transport to and from the School should promote the health of individuals and the general health of the planet by minimising greenhouse emissions and other forms of pollution.

Our Travel Plan, developed in collaboration with students, parents and TWBC will reflect these priorities.

 

 

Text Box: Statement of Intent Transport is an essential part of human social life.  We firmly believe that transport to and from the School should promote the health of individuals and the general health of the planet by minimising greenhouse emissions and other forms of pollution. Our Travel Plan, developed in collaboration with students, parents and TWBC will reflect these priorities.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Key Areas and Outcomes

Walking and Cycling

Students will be encouraged wherever possible to walk or cycle to school to promote healthy exercise.

The benefits of walking and cycling are to be promoted through school assemblies, action weeks, and through the curriculum wherever appropriate.

 

Text Box: Walking and Cycling Students will be encouraged wherever possible to walk or cycle to school to promote healthy exercise. The benefits of walking and cycling are to be promoted through school assemblies, action weeks, and through the curriculum wherever appropriate.  

Reduce the  use of cars

We will encourage the use of public transport wherever possible.  Where this is not feasible we will encourage the development of car sharing schemes.

We will raise awareness with parents about our transport policy and seek their co-operation  in reducing car use wherever possible.

 

 

Text Box: Reduce the  use of cars We will encourage the use of public transport wherever possible.  Where this is not feasible we will encourage the development of car sharing schemes. We will raise awareness with parents about our transport policy and seek their co-operation  in reducing car use wherever possible.    

Public Transport

Many students will not live within easy walking distance of the School.  We will work with the bus companies to encourage the use of buses and trains and ensure that our students treat the travelling public and vehicles with respect.

 

 

Text Box: Public Transport Many students will not live within easy walking distance of the School.  We will work with the bus companies to encourage the use of buses and trains and ensure that our students treat the travelling public and vehicles with respect.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Travel Plan

We have produced a workable Travel Plan, starting with a whole school review, the setting of distinct targets, and a review of these objectives on an annual basis. We will continue to work closely with both KCC and TWBC in implementing the plan.

  

9.    BUILDINGS and GROUNDS Doorway    

Nature and Conservation Policy

 

Statement of Intent

At the School we believe that everyone has stewardship for the natural environment. Every decision we make and action we take should be in line with this stewardship.

Text Box: Statement of Intent At the School we believe that everyone has stewardship for the natural environment. Every decision we make and action we take should be in line with this stewardship.

 

 

 

 

Key Areas and Outcomes

 

School Grounds

 Everyone is responsible for maintaining and developing our site as a habitat for wildlife even if it is not always obvious.  Students will develop the attitudes and skills of conservation that they can transfer to their own communities.

 

 

Text Box: School Grounds  Everyone is responsible for maintaining and developing our site as a habitat for wildlife even if it is not always obvious.  Students will develop the attitudes and skills of conservation that they can transfer to their own communities.    

National and Global 

The School will strive to become involved in nature conservation nationally and globally by raising awareness eg through assemblies.

 

 

Text Box: National and Global  The School will strive to become involved in nature conservation nationally and globally by raising awareness eg through assemblies.    

Buildings 

The Bursar and his team actively seek ways to make financial savings in the day to day running of the school. Any new-build or refurbishment should have sustainable features as an automatic consideration, and create a learning resources for future pupils and visitors.

 

 

Text Box: Buildings  The Bursar and his team actively seek ways to make financial savings in the day to day running of the school. Any new-build or refurbishment should have sustainable features as an automatic consideration, and create a learning resources for future pupils and visitors.    

The Local Community 

We will work closely with Kent County Council and local groups like Kent High Weald Project to improve the grounds and other local amenities for people and wildlife. There is an on-going relationship with Oakley Special School to develop their grounds in a sustainable way.

 

 

Text Box: The Local Community  We will work closely with Kent County Council and local groups like Kent High Weald Project to improve the grounds and other local amenities for people and wildlife. There is an on-going relationship with Oakley Special School to develop their grounds in a sustainable way.    

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

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