8EDS - Education for Sustainability (Module)

Aims of the Course:

In this Year 8 Education for Sustainability course (a Module for one term), students will build upon the foundational knowledge gained from the introductory course in Year 7 to focus on taking action to improve sustainability. The course will emphasize practical ways to enhance sustainability at school, home, and within the community. Students will learn about the importance of reducing or eliminating waste, conserving resources, and promoting eco-friendly habits. Through hands-on activities and projects, they will be encouraged to implement sustainable practices in their daily lives and advocate for positive environmental change. By applying their knowledge and skills to identifying a specific environmental need and developing an action plan to provide a solution, students will play a vital role in creating a more sustainable future for themselves and their communities.

The students will develop Action Competence - defined as:

1. creating new value, 

2. reconciling tensions and dilemmas, 

3. taking responsibility.

The learning will be based on the concepts with Te Taiao - the interconnectedness of all living things. Foundation whakatauki include:

Ko au ko te taiao, ko te taiao ko au 
I am the environment and the environment is me.

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu
Although small, it is precious

By understanding these key concepts, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things (Te Taiao) and the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.

Assessment:

Assessment is based on their understanding of the issues as demonstrated through the action competence plans , for example, what new value was created, how were tensions resolved and dilemmas reconciled, how did they take responsibility?

Subject and Career Pathways:

This course develops further the concepts discovered in the Year 7 Education for Sustainability and Social Science curriculum. It develops in a practical way the school values of Service, Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence.