Local well-being
“By 2020 the government would like all schools to be models of good corporate citizenship within their local areas, enriching their educational mission with activities that improve the environment and quality of life of local people.”
This doorway is about recognising the potential of your school to be a centre of learning and a catalyst for positive change within the community it serves. As such it links very clearly with the extended schools agenda, providing services which promote community cohesion, facilitating the strengthening of relationships and contributing to improvement of the local environment.
talk2learn local well-being and community leadership discussion
Do you agree that getting involved in community projects to improve their local area can give pupils a sense of empowerment and confidence that they can make a difference to their lives and communities?
Read the recent talk2learn discussion about local well-being and community leadership in sustainable schools.
Top tips for linking local well-being with sustainability
- Distribute leadership responsibilities by sharing out the work for developing local well-being. Consider appointing a members of staff as ‘community champion’ with responsibility for keeping the school informed about community events and causes.
- Involve the wider community in all aspects of your work on sustainability.
- Forge links with local organisations such as church groups, the Boys Brigade, Rotary and your local library and look for ways to work together on sustainability and other local challenges.
- Connect with other schools to work together on community activities such as tree planting, concerts and drama productions.
- Sustainable schools have a strong sense of moral purpose created by a shared vision. Amend your school improvement plan to include your vision of the part your school will play in improving local well-being.
Sustainable schools focusing on local well-being
