15th June 2026
Celebrating the impact of professional learning with ‘Learning for Sustainable Futures’
The Scottish Government’s Learning for Sustainability Action Plan 2023–2030 (“Target 2030”) aims to embed learning for sustainability (LfS) across 3–18 education; with the ambition that by 2030 all learners will receive their entitlement to LfS and all places of learning will become “Sustainable Learning Settings”.
“Learning for Sustainability (LfS) is not something ‘extra’ in education. It is an important part of helping learners understand the world they live in and the future they will help to shape. Through LfS, learners build the knowledge, skills, values, and confidence they need to make sense of global challenges and to take responsible, positive action in their communities and beyond. In our schools and settings, LfS helps connect learning with well-being, fairness, and care for the environment. It supports learners to become thoughtful problem-solvers, kind collaborators, and active citizens who can make a real difference to a more sustainable future. ”
Collaborating for change
To support this ambition, and funded through a University of Edinburgh ESRC Impact Acceleration Account grant, Dr Beth Christie and Sophie Coats from the University of Edinburgh, together with independent filmmaker Rachel McBrinn, have been developing and piloting an LfS-focused professional learning model – Learning for Sustainable Futures – designed to enhance teacher practice. In turn, this work seeks to support local authorities and the Scottish Government in achieving the ambitions of Target 2030.
The practice-focused research project was conducted in partnership with Learning for Sustainability Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Education Scotland and the British Council. The project was guided by two key questions:
- How is LfS understood and enacted by teachers within educational settings?
- How is the impact of LfS experienced – what does it look and feel like within settings and across communities?
To explore these questions, the project team worked with a diverse range of early years, primary and secondary settings from across the City of Edinburgh during 2025–26; gaining insight into LfS practice across a wide variety of educational contexts. Rachel McBrinn, the project filmmaker, worked alongside each setting to support the creation of short films that captured the story of their developing LfS practice.
“Professional learning is essential in making this vision a reality. Teachers and practitioners need regular opportunities to deepen their understanding, grow in confidence, and explore creative approaches to LfS. When we invest in professional learning, we equip staff to inspire and empower learners to create positive change.”
View the films, read the project summaries, and find out about next steps for this initiative…
Celebrating change and showcasing impact
A celebratory event was held on Friday 12th June at the University of Edinburgh’s Moray House School of Education and Sport at which the films and project summaries from all twelve participating settings were shown.
The project team was delighted to welcome educators and learners from several of the participating schools and early learning settings participating in the initiative; as well as guests from Scottish Government, Education Scotland, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education, Learning for Sustainability Scotland, and The University of Edinburgh.
Catherine McCabe, class teacher from St Peter’s RC Primary School, welcomed everyone to the event and set the scene with an inspirational overview of the initiative and the impact it has had on the practice of the educators involved…and the children, young people, and communities they work with.
Guests were then treated to the world première of the twelve films – with each setting receiving a well-deserved award. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to hear from and network with some of the educators and young people who led on the projects – and enjoy some . Summaries of each project were also on display; providing more context and information about each.
Closing words from our ‘keynote listener’
Ollie Bray, Strategic Director at Education Scotland, shared a wonderful summary of the event in his capacity as ‘keynote listener’; commenting on the rich and creative range of initiatives undertaken by participants and the way in which they all enabled and strengthened the voices of children and young people; and in many instances, enhanced multi-generational learning rooted in the communities around each setting.
He remarked on the ‘act local, think global’ nature of many of the projects: demonstrating that actions taken here in Scotland can resonate strongly in other parts of the world.
View the films, read the project summaries, and find out about next steps for this initiative…
“Taking part in ‘Learning for Sustainable Futures’ has supported the work happening across our schools and settings this session. Together, through collaboration, professional learning and a shared commitment to sustainability, we can ensure that LfS remains at the heart of education and at the heart of a better future for everyone.”
The Project Team would like to express its warmest thanks to all involved in making this initiative such a success, and to all of the guests who attended the celebration event.
View the films, read the project summaries, and find out about next steps for this initiative…