Hackney Sustainability Education Framework

Hackney's commitment to sustainability

We are committed to fostering young citizens who are skilled and prepared to create a better world, both now and for future generations. 

The challenges facing our planet are complex and urgent. In Hackney we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a sustainable future. 

We recognise our responsibility to teach about sustainability from a young age, to empower our pupils to understand the issues and to work together to make a difference to their future. 

Hackney schools and settings can request access to the online document by completing the form.

About our framework

The Sustainability Education Framework represents Hackney’s commitment to teaching about sustainability and climate action. Developed with schools, the framework takes a whole school approach that can be embedded into the existing curriculum. 

The aim is to provide young people with the skills, knowledge and understanding to address the issues of sustainability through creative, action-oriented and problem solving education. The range of ideas, resources and case studies included within the framework demonstrates the excellent work already being undertaken across our schools, where sustainability is not just a subject taught but is a lived value.

Teaching about sustainability

In Hackney we believe that a carefully planned approach will provide a variety of progressive opportunities for children to learn about the environment both locally and globally and prepare them for roles as active citizens. 

The framework is designed to provide primary schools with the opportunity to examine their whole school approach to sustainability within teaching and learning through a developmental structure which supports the growth of knowledge and skills over time. 

The framework should be viewed in the context of the school approach to provide the best opportunities for an embedded culture of core sustainability that incorporates the following: teaching and learning, physical environment and community and management of resources

The curriculum

Our base structure content for the curriculum progression is identified from the Climate Education Toolkit. It provides guidance and resources for teaching about sustainability across the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and each subject programme of study in the National Curriculum (KS1 and KS2).

The aim is to highlight opportunities and foci for teaching and learning across the curriculum linked to the three big objectives: 

• Biodiversity
• Living sustainably
• Climate change

Where gaps have been identified in current national guidance, enhanced learning opportunities have been suggested. Each area of learning is supported by recommended resources from schools.

Wider school ethos

In addition to specific teaching opportunities, the framework provides information and resources to support a whole-school approach. This includes enrichment activities, school projects, assemblies and pupil voice. The range of case studies from Hackney schools included in the framework illustrates the sustainability ethos in action. 

The framework also showcases the work of the Eco-Schools programme in schools. This programme open to all schools and colleges in Hackney. Schools are offered mentoring and support to develop individualised action plans. Registration is free via the Eco-Schools portal.

Climate Action Plans

The framework is a useful tool to support the development and delivery of the Climate Action Plans. Further information about these plans can be found at the DfE website: Sustainability leadership and climate action plan or by emailing Kelly Sullivan: Climate Education Officer. 

Further information about the Climate Education Toolkit can be found at: Climate and Sustainability Education Toolkit or Curriculum Mapping Resource.