West Lothian College took part in the annual worldwide initiative that highlights the importance of sustainability in education.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Teach-In campaign calls on educators across the globe to embed the UN’s goals into everyday teaching and learning.
The initiative promotes themes such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Climate Action, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
By integrating these goals into lessons and activities, the SDG Teach-In aims to empower young people to take positive action and help shape a more sustainable future.
And as part of its commitment to the campaign, the college hosted a four-day programme, welcoming more than 700 primary school pupils and their teachers from across West Lothian.
Caroline Jarvis, childhood practice lecturer at the college, led the project.
She said: “We had our annual sustainability teach in event where we have invited over 700 school children from primary one to primary seven onto campus to work collaboratively with our students to learn about the sustainability development goals. It was a great week- this was our fourth time hosting, and every year just gets bigger and better. The children have all learned about what the SDGs are, and hopefully they can take this back and spread that to everyone at home and school.”
The annual event encourages outdoor learning, sustainability and creativity through a variety of hands-on activities, including outdoor exploration and den building, sustainability-themed artwork and building homes for nature’s animals.
There were a variety of workshops for pupils to take part in, supported by students from across all of the college’s faculties. Motor vehicle students explored hydrogen cars, while professional cookery students focused on zero‑waste cooking. The computing department delivered sessions on coding, and childhood practice students led a range of activities using nature‑based resources. Sports students and lecturers partnered with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and art students created their own natural‑based ink and charcoal before using them to draw in the college’s forest classroom.
Ewan Ferguson, a primary teacher at Broxburn Primary and a former West Lothian College student, shared his thoughts on the day. He added: “We had a really good time- the sustainability week at the college is something we sign up for every year, and it’s always great fun for the pupils, and so interesting for the kids learning about the SDGs.”
Hazel Brady, Principal of West Lothian College, said: “It has been absolutely wonderful to welcome so many young children onto our campus as part of our learning week. The energy and excitement they brought created a real buzz across the college, and it was a joy to see our students engaging with them and bring sustainability goals to life in such a fun and meaningful way. I am incredibly proud of our students for the creativity and leadership they showed throughout the week and the part they played in inspiring the next generation to think about a more sustainable future.
"I also want to thank our staff, whose creativity, hard work and coordination made the week such a success. Their dedication ensured that every young learner had a memorable, enjoyable and inspiring experience on campus.”