Education Matters

EDUCATION MATTERS

BY DR BRONWYN DOLLING, PACIFIC LUTHERAN COLLEGE

Remaking the world

One of the challenges faced by future generations will be to remake the way in which we consume resources and live sustainably within our environment. Within a school context, young people can learn to make a difference and even remake the world by helping to shape an increasingly sustainable environment. Schools, like other places, can be places of unnecessary consumption and produce large quantities of waste. As one of the priorities of the Australian curriculum, sustainability provides the opportunity for young people to develop a strong sense of social justice and explore ways to improve their local environment. To improve it, they must first understand and appreciate the important role they play in preserving our ecosystems.

Linking with community and university groups or other experts, students can gain an understanding of the environment that surrounds them. There is great opportunity for partnerships with adult mentors from within the school community as well as outside agencies. Real learning can occur as young people take on the challenge of improving their local environment. Links with our Indigenous community can also inform young people of how to live more sustainably including the ways in which native plants act as nature’s calendar and have provided food and other materials.

Schools can set a goal to reduce their environmental footprint through various green initiatives. This can include an audit of the quantity of different types of waste generated on a daily and weekly basis. Through the use of a small Onsite Composting Apparatus (OSCA), organic and paper waste can be converted into nutrient rich compost for gardens. Energy consumption can be monitored and even generated. Schools have large roof tops which can be used to generate considerable electricity through the use of solar panels. Water can be collected into rainwater tanks and utilised in showers and toilets, or on gardens.

Engaging young people in different types of garden activities including vertical gardens opens their minds to the ways in which our built environment can be more integrated with the wonderful natural surrounds of the Coast. Understanding the connection of the school to the local water catchment can help to reduce the amount of plastic and other debris that flow into our oceans. For some schools, there’s the opportunity to understand the role bioretention basins that sit within their site play in water quality management.

Through online connections young people have influenced governments and businesses and changed behaviour of people involved in deforestation in countries such as Indonesia. The power of many has been unleashed through the use of social media and young people can be exposed to ways in which they can assist governments to track illegal activities through the use of satellite imaging.

Involving students in the practical application of a philosophy, can help young people grow into adults who are environmentally aware and follow sustainable practices. Individually, we may perceive our actions only make a small difference but collaboratively as a community, we can reshape the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Bronwyn Dolling is the Principal of Pacific Lutheran College, a co-educational, Lutheran school for students from K-12. Bronwyn has worked in the education industry for over 35 years and has served as Pacific’s Principal since its inception in 2001 and also on various education committees at a state and national level. She is passionate about providing a rich education that supports the development of the whole child.

does your child love learning? So do we.

Pacific Lutheran College

is a supportive learning community, with a strong academic focus and exceptional sporting, cultural and outdoor programs. Our curriculum is designed to support a seamless transition from Kindergarten to Year 12, and then to life beyond school. Fostering thinking skills, curiosity and deep understanding, Pacific helps each child develop their own passion for learning.

www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au

PHONE

Chris Henschke, College Registrar on 5436 7321

LOCATION

Woodlands Boulevard, Meridan Plains 4551