Leadership Statement
Sustainable Development
The evidence base is overwhelming that a sustainable development approach to meeting individual needs is essential to the survival of the planet. Action to achieve
such an approach is required now! Educationalists have a duty, through the taught curriculum and the sustainable management of the school estate to provide present
and future generations with the knowledge, understanding and skills to manage the world's resources sustainably.
Today’s sustainable schools work towards a broader set of objectives than those previously envisaged for schools by society. Students need to realize their full
potential within a culture which promotes achievement within a sustainable framework. All leaders, managers, teachers and support staff in schools must strive to
enable every member of the school and its wider community to contribute to a sustainable future. Effective leadership for an education for sustainable development
in schools is the key ingredient for all our sustainable futures.
We need as a society to live within environmental limits respecting the planet’s environment, resource and biodiversity and maintaining this for future generations.
We also must meet the needs of all people in present and future communities by promoting their well being, creating opportunity for all and providing a socially
cohesive environment in which to flourish. To achieve this we need to provide a sustainable economy in which efficient resource use is central and ensure prosperity
and opportunity for all.
Declaration Of The United Nations Conference On The Human Environment (1972)
"A point has been reached in history when we must shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental consequences. Through
ignorance or indifference we can do massive and irreversible harm to the earthly environment on which our life and well being depend. Conversely, through fuller
knowledge and wiser action, we can achieve for ourselves and our posterity a better life in an environment more in keeping with human needs and hopes".
Rio Declaration (1992) Principle 21
"The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized to forge a global partnership in order to achieve sustainable development
and ensure a better future for all."
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan - 20 December 2001
"Progress towards the goals established at Rio has been slower than anticipated and in some respects conditions are worse than
they were ten years ago. But with strong political will, practical steps, and strong partnerships, several key hurdles that have caused the rather uneven results
in the implementation of sustainable development can be overcome."
United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2004
The Decade of Education for Sustainable Development pursues a global vision:
"The vision of education for sustainable development is a world where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from quality education
and learn the values, behaviour and lifestyles required for a sustainable future and for positive societal transformation."
[http://www.bcca.org/ief/Final_IIS_04102004_1.doc  ]
National Curriculum England 1999
The school curriculum should develop pupils awareness and understanding of, and respect for, the environments in which they live, and secure their commitment to
sustainable development at a personal, local, national and global level.
National Curriculum, 1999
"We have theorised about sustainable development in education for long enough.
We need to embrace sustainable development across the education system so that best practice becomes common practice."
Charles Clarke. 2003. DFES Sustainable Development Action Plan
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