About this goal

Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect.  It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society.  Learning benefits every human being and should be available to all. (Goal 4: Quality education - The Global Goals)

In Focus: Crawforddyke Primary School

 

Award winning Crawforddyke Primary School in Carluke  are the pride of South Lanarkshire with their outstanding climate positive achievements being recognised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.  Crawforddyke Primary School took the Climate Action Project of the Year Award in their first annual Eco-Schools Awards in 2023.

As sustainability is embedded in the School Improvement Plan, a whole school approach was adopted, learning across all primaries centred around the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  Children and Young People not only learned about the impact of climate change and what action can be taken to reduce the impacts, but this learning extended beyond the school into homes and communities.  Several initiatives saw the children, young people and school community take positive action to create real, lasting change and influence behaviour change:

• Recognising the rise in litter locally, the school engaged in litter picks and organised a litter protest march.  The P1 Class campaigned to have their Local Nature Reserve Jock’s Burn cleaned up, they worked in partnership with South Lanarkshire’s Countryside and Greenspace Ranger Service.  The area is now being enjoyed safely by the whole community and for outdoor learning activities by the school and nursery. 
• A polytunnel was established where learners grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables to be used in the school kitchen and lessons.
• The school choir came first runner-up in the Lanarkshire climate action themed Glee Challenge.
• They received their 6th Eco-Flag Award.
• Pupils presented in a live, online lesson hosted by Keep Scotland Beautiful and Eco Schools where they spoke about their project.
• Newsletters give parents and carers regular updates on climate-positive action.

Further reading and information

Goal 4: Quality Education
Goal 4: Quality education - The Global Goals

Keep Scotland Beautiful
Keep Scotland Beautiful

Jock's Burn, local nature reserve - on your doorstep (Youttube)
Jock's Burn, local nature reserve - on your doorstep - YouTube

Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy
Introduction - South Lanarkshire Council