Thoughts from an inconvenient woman…
by Rachel Musson
I often call myself an 'inconvenient woman'.
It's not a role I particularly cherish, but it is a role I've fully accepted, especially when talking about sustainability in schools. Because the inconvenient reality is that sustainability is not something that can be 'added on' or 'ticked off a list' within the educational landscape; nor is it one person's job to do. It is an invitation to re-think the very fabric of our societies and how we live and learn together.
Today I've had the pleasure of offering a keynote address at the Association of School and College Leaders Sustainability Conference - a gathering of over 100 school leaders from across the UK coming together to explore how schools can respond to the growing climate and biodiversity crisis.
Whilst the narrative I bring may be inconvenient for some, it also comes with so many opportunities for positive action moving forward. Today we explored five key provocations:
1. You can’t just teach climate change (this goes far beyond ‘learning facts’)
2. This isn’t a role or one person’s job (everyone’s invited, welcome and responsible)
3. Sustainability is a process, not an outcome (this work is never finished, it’s our journey for life)
4. Caring for ourselves and others is part of this (our wellness both needs & supports the wellness of others and the planet)
5. This needs a whole school approach (let’s create an inclusive environment)
The reality is that sustainability is not a quick-fix approach, it never will be. This work, as we explored today, invites us to fully question and rethink how to live well together. And that in itself offers so many opportunities for positive change in our lives and learning communities.
Today was a hugely energising and activating conference - not just because of the receptivity and openness of the delegates to these provocations, but also because of the shared narrative of the speakers. Fellow climate activists Phoebe L. Hanson and Laura Tobin also spoke bravely of the harsh realities we are - and will be - facing as well as the hugely energising opportunities for change; whilst Emma Harrison and colleagues weaved together a conference programme that showed the myriad possibilities that schools can take to empower their communities.
Workshops on 'How to decarbonise your school' from Let's Go Zero, 'Boosting bio-diversity with the National Education Nature Park' from Dr Jessica Tipton and 'School climate action and ambassadors' from Paul Edmond were just some of the activating sessions supporting school leaders with ideas and inspiration to take back to their schools.
So whilst perhaps inconvenient, I return home grateful to have these messages both welcomed and energising and look forward to the continued conversations with all those I've met today moving forward.
Rachel Musson | Director of Education
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