Why should schools integrate the AtKisson compass of sustainability?

If you’re not familiar with the work of AtKisson, it’s likely that you won’t have heard of their sustainability compass.

An integral part of their accelerator tool assortment, many eco schools and climate-caring professors are immersing the AtKisson compass into school curricula.

The Sustainability Compass. Source: Atkisson.com

North is for Nature

North of the compass is a focus on nature.

This is where the school supplies an eco-friendly learning environment to inspire future green leaders, ensuring that their resources are recyclable and not doing too much damage to the natural ecosystem, all while keeping an eye on the current state of the global climate.

East is for Economy

East of the compass is an emphasis on the economy.

This is where schools start to think about how their students will get involved with future industry innovations. How they can prepare them for inclusive job growth and a world where eco-energy resources are shared among all citizens? How does the school syllabus prepare students for the ‘real world’?

S is for Society

South of the compass is a statement of society.

This enables schools to think about the societal issues far beyond the playground and initiate an awareness of current cultures, global concerns and government policies. Instead of shielding young students from the outside world, schools that embed this compass expose learners to the realities we face and encourage them to discuss effective solutions.

W is for Wellbeing

And finally, West is for wellbeing.

This relates to the way schools can empower students to help end global hunger, to live healthy lives, to believe that every child on earth should have access to equal education and high-quality water and sanitation facilities.

Alongside the compass, AtKisson also provides schools with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to match and intertwine in the school curricula.

The Sustainable Development Goals. Source: Atkisson.com

To accentuate the necessity of integrating these sustainable development goals, schools that follow the compass consider each and every factor an essential topic to cover in their academic framework.

If schools are to truly create the next generation of change-makers and eco-visionaries, this compass will guide them through and instil transformative values.

With its memorable design, it will also remain with students throughout their journey into the future, serving as a reminder as to why SDGs are important goals to follow.

So, shouldn’t it be a permanent feature of every school syllabus?

#sustainabilitycompass #CompassEducationYouthLeaders #web-game #DAIS pic.twitter.com/sap64r0qiq

— Michelena Mcpherson (@MichMcphers23) April 24, 2018

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