Background to school stories

Since the mid 1990s, WWF has been privileged to work with many schools from across the UK. To celebrate and share the learning and good practice in Education for sustainable development (ESD) from these schools, WWF has brought together a collection of schools case studies.

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These case studies offer an insight into the many ways in which schools have approached ESD. Each school’s ‘journey’ is unique; its concepts, processes and designs reflecting the character of the local community. A common thread is the enthusiasm from educational professionals as they inspire and empower children to imagine a future in which people live in harmony with each other and with the natural world on which we all depend.

The case studies do not cover the whole of the schools’ ESD journeys. Some are curriculum-based; others address aspects of the hidden curriculum relevant to ESD; yet others have taken a whole-school approach. The schools range from small rural schools to large, inner-city schools and from infant and nursery to secondary and special schools.

These case studies have already inspired government departments, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and others working to promote ESD – including schools. As the UN Decade for ESD gets under way, we hope they will inspire you and other schools interested in taking their first steps – or continuing their journey towards – sustainability.