NEWS ARTICLE

How sustainability inspires the international school community  

Jun 15, 2021

The international school community has proactively inspired students to care about their local and global environment and learn to act in a sustainable way.

How sustainability inspires the international school community  

Jun 15, 2021 | Data & Trends

Sustainability has received considerable media coverage over the past few years, particularly through a growing number of initiatives led by Generation Z. Greta Thunberg naturally comes to mind when students around the world are increasingly founding associations and leading change for a better future, like Students Organising for Sustainability in the UK. World Environment Day is a great opportunity to celebrate educators fostering student initiative to promote sustainability.

The international school community has proactively inspired students to care about their local and global environment and learn to act in a sustainable way. A few international schools, like Green School Bali, paved the way over 10 years ago when they announced their commitment “to create a global community of learners, making our world sustainable”. More schools have since made the subject matter a core part of their mission, like Fairgreen International School in Dubai, established in 2018 by Esol Education.

But does sustainability need to be built into a school curriculum or ethos to inspire students? Carina Nilsson shared best practice from Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket (SSHL) in the April issue of the International School Leader magazine, where students took part in an extra-curricular Design and Technology Group to build an autonomous seed drone to be used to reseed deforested areas of Nigeria. Motivated to help limit the spread of the pandemic, students also developed a patent-applied disinfection tunnel to place over checkout lines in the local grocery store.

NEWS

Stay informed

First steps to actioning student voice in schools
First steps to actioning student voice in schools

What practical solutions are there to help international schools open up about student voice? We spoke to Joel Jr Llaban and Matthew Savage in our recent webinar, who shared some practical advice and insights on recent research findings into student voice. Read more

Why are more international schools encouraging students to have a voice?
Why are more international schools encouraging students to have a voice?

Do students feel that their voice is valued? Are international schools listening to student voice to inform change? Recent research by ISC Research delved into this subject, surveying students and alumni to gather their thoughts alongside a separate survey to educators and administrators. Read more

Making change to the International School Awards
Making change to the International School Awards

The 2024 International School Awards have taken a big step on the journey that many international schools are already taking. Changes will create more opportunities for international schools in different contexts to be celebrated. Read more

GET IN TOUCH

Let's discuss your needs

We are dedicated and committed to supporting the broader international schools community by providing data, trends and intelligence. Since 1994, we have guided schools with their growth plans, informed investors on new school development, helped universities to engage with international schools, and advised education suppliers that are supporting the market.