The provision of good quality environmental education in schools is extremely important because our school experiences can have a long-lasting affect on the way we choose to live our lives. Pupils can also influence the behaviour of peers, parents and other adults. Every child should leave school with a thorough understanding of environmental issues and feeling empowered to actively care for and improve the environment.

The National Curriculum in Wales offers many opportunities for environmental education and education for sustainable development and global citizenship (ESDGC). For more information on ESDGC refer to Appendix 6. It is likely that these aspects will be strengthened as the National Assembly reviews the National Curriculum in light of its overarching commitment to sustainable development. At a local level, SEEF and its members provide many avenues of support for schools, with classroom activities, support for after school clubs, holiday projects, and involvement in programmes such as Crucial Crew, a scheme which provides all Year 6 pupils with learning about health, safety, the environment and citizenship. SEEF also sends regular mailings of information to schools, organises an annual teachers’ evening and coordinates a programme of ESDGC training.

Schools should not just teach about the environment and sustainability but should also demonstrate good practice in the way they manage their resources and waste. Eco-Schools is a national programme, coordinated by Keep Wales Tidy, that promotes not only environmental awareness through curriculum linked activities, but also positive changes in the management and decision-making processes of schools. There are currently almost 90 schools in Swansea participating in the programme and 17 have achieved the prestigious Green Flag.

All Swansea schools should be encouraged to actively participate in both national and local schemes, such as Eco-Schools, Safe Routes to Schools (see page 38) and the Swansea Schools Recycling Initiative.

Use of the environment as an outdoor classroom is an essential aspect of environmental education, providing first-hand experience through well-developed school grounds, and at field study centres and wildlife sites. There are several outdoor centres in the locality but a more coordinated approach to outdoor learning is needed to ensure that all local schools have the support needed to access local resources effectively and to improve the use of their own grounds.

Innovative approaches to field work such as Forest School can develop important social skills as well as a greater appreciation and respect for the natural environment. Schools can support community learning by providing a local venue for environmental awareness training and by engaging parents and others in learning activities and school development. For example, Family Learning Programmes, available in over 50 Swansea schools, support inter-generational learning and can include environmental issues.

Schools should also be encouraged to develop international links to enable real and longlasting contacts to be developed with schools and communities in other parts of the world.