Sustainable education or training

The pressure on our coasts and seas are increasing – climate change, marine litter and demand for resources are impacting upon the habitats and species that make Pembrokeshire a unique place to live and work. Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) established a Coastal Curriculum programme to bring these issues into the classroom, educating young people and inspiring them to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Coastal Curriculum deliver workshops both in schools and out their coastal sites, and they cater sessions to suit all key stages. Pupils learn about how geography and history have shaped our coast and communities and with expert contributors from PCF’s networks, groups can observe the processes at work and the management of our changing coastline. There are opportunities to study the coastal history alongside current human uses of the marine environment and its impacts. PCF is the home of Marine Energy Wales and they also deliver workshops on marine renewable energy, developing pupils’ understanding of the benefits of renewable energy, and introducing them to people at the forefront of this innovative new sector.

Their Coastal Curriculum benefits pupils by allowing them to learn from local people who are experts in their field. Getting pupils out of the classroom and learning outdoors results in a range of positive effects on their personal health and well-being, both physically and mentally. It also benefits schools and teachers by providing them with free lessons that are designed to fit in with the National Curriculum and aid with the delivery of difficult and complex topics, such as climate change and integrated coastal zone management.

Cash4Change C4C is a project where students can bid for money to make changes at their campus. This scheme was set up by the college and Coleg Gwent Student’s Union CGSU to support projects, clubs, events and ideas that make life at Coleg Gwent more enriching, benefit the college and local community and improve the environment. The project is shared widely through the college ‘Intouch’ newsletter, email and online and the CGSU sit on the judging panel where students can obtain funding.

The learners’ objectives mean that any projects submitted have to provide a focus on local amenities, local groups, local projects, the wider community, nature, the environment, citizenship or raising awareness or any other area which is relevant to the learner’s course. This approach also helps to develop vital skills such as innovation and creativity, problem solving, personal effectiveness and digital literacy. As well as supporting the development of personal skills and underpinning the Welsh Baccaulaureate challenges.

Recently funded projects have included the Crosskeys Campus (ILS) working with the Adult Education Learning Disabilities Torfaen/Woodchip Group, where they converted a bike shed into a sensory outdoor classroom. Students have also set up a pop-up shop selling products that are made via their curriculum areas. It provides voluntary hours/work experience and providing signposting for business start-up ideas.

This project Cash 4 Change has really supported and impacted future membership from an employer, organisation, charity perspective, staff and learners because it has brought significant benefits to all parties involved. Because of its huge success the project will continue for the foreseeable future.