Explore ideas to build sustainability in your school

Overview

How can schools be more sustainable? How do schools teach sustainability?

Sustainability education in Australian schools is a vital component of the curriculum, aiming to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to address environmental, social, and economic challenges for a more sustainable future. The Australian education system incorporates sustainability principles across various subjects and levels, reflecting the nation's commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible citizenship.

Key aspects include:

1. Resource Efficiency and Environmental Practices: Many schools in Australia have adopted sustainable practices, such as reducing energy and water consumption, waste reduction and recycling, and creating eco-friendly campuses. These practices provide tangible examples of sustainability in action.

2. Outdoor and Environmental Education: Outdoor education programs and excursions play a significant role in fostering a connection with nature and promoting sustainable behaviours. These activities encourage hands-on learning experiences and a deeper understanding of the environment.

3. Global Perspective: Sustainability education in Australia often emphasizes global perspectives, encouraging students to consider the impact of their actions on both local and global scales.

4. Partnerships and Collaboration: Schools often collaborate with local community groups, environmental organizations, and government agencies to enhance sustainability education efforts. These partnerships provide students with real-world connections and opportunities for learning.

5. Curriculum Integration: Sustainability concepts are woven into different subjects such as science, geography, mathematics, and technology. This interdisciplinary approach helps students understand the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social systems.

6. Inclusive Approach: Sustainability education in Australia aims to be inclusive and respectful of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, recognizing the deep connection between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the land.

Target Audience

Those in leadership and specialist roles and classroom teachers.

Tickets

Tickets include arrival tea/coffee, morning tea, buffet lunch and a Certificate of Attendance (mapped to APST).

Speaker: Cyrelle Field, Manager – Education, Sustainability Victoria

The Evolution of Sustainability in Schools

The ResourceSmart Schools program has been managed by Sustainability Victoria since 2008. Throughout that time schools participating in the program have saved 110,00 tonnes of GHG emissions and millions of dollars from reducing their resource use however, the ways in which schools are undertaking the program, the actions they are taking and the understanding of what sustainability in schools can be has evolved and has become more sophisticated. Sustainability in schools is creating a dynamic learning environment leading the way in preparing students, teachers and the wider community with the skills and knowledge that will place them in the best position to thrive in a changing world. 

Speaker: Andrew Feher, Sustainability Leader, Mt Lilydale Mercy College

Creating a Greener Future

Sharing strategies to promote sustainability in schools through resource efficiency, global perspectives, partnerships, curriculum integration, and inclusive approaches. Learn how to apply these practices in your educational setting to foster a sustainable mindset among students.

We will explore resources and workshop innovative curriculum ideas that create exciting classroom and applied outcomes. We will discuss Net zero initiatives, investigating external partnership options and the implementation of student advocacy.  Come armed with ideas and leave with individualised future plans to make your school an exciting Greener more sustainable environment.

Speaker: Deborah Langford, Sustainability Leader & Classroom Teacher, Tecoma Primary School

Becoming a Sustainable School

We will showcase how we have worked local council and Resource Smart Schools, linking with local business and networking and partnering with local churches and community groups. How we implemented our six bin recycling centres educating not only the children but the whole community that a sustainable school is just one part of a sustainable community. Embedding sustainability into the whole school curriculum to ensure everyone is onboard and showing the children what could happen if they don't look after their environment. Having been awarded the Community Leadership (Primary) School of the Year in 2024 was a huge achievement, gained by hosting events such as Clean Up Australia day for example. Finally, where to now? What are our next goals?

Speaker: Ruby Whitfield, Sustainability Specialist, Heathmont East Primary School

Sustainability: A cross-curriculum priority - and why you should care

We will workshop with practical activities, how to meaningfully incorporate Sustainability as a cross-curriculum priority for the already time-poor teacher with actual assessable learning outcomes. We will discuss:

• Why Sustainability (Isn't that just like, recycling..?)

• What Sustainability teaching and learning looks like at HEPS 

• Demonstrations of practical/hands on activities from a range of year levels 

• How to structure a scope and sequence based on VIC Curriculum within an SDG and RSS framework for real world outcomes

• Developing Sustainability as a specialist area (set up, resources, curriculum, planning, assessment and reporting)

• Meaningful integration of Sustainability into what you're already doing in the classroom

• Whole school approach to Sustainability (Aligning learning with your AIP, school context and community)

Speakers: Jyo Shukla, CEO, Casco Labs

Making sustainable practices the norm through gamification and rewards

Discover how gamification can transform sustainability into a fun, everyday habit within your school. This session will explore how rewards, points, and challenges can drive actions like recycling and energy-saving among students and staff. We'll provide practical steps for setting up a digital rewards system and give examples of how it could work in a school setting. Learn how to track impact, engage students, and build a culture of environmental responsibility that’s both educational and rewarding.