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Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) international curriculum audit

This desktop review examines how six unique international jurisdictions integrate the teaching and learning of ESD within their curricula (early childhood, primary and post-primary), and provides insights into how the UNESCO vision for ESD is interpreted and managed.

The NCCA commissioned this international curriculum audit of education for sustainable development (ESD) in summer 2021 to inform the evolving strategic direction for ESD in the curriculum in Ireland. The desktop review examines how six unique international jurisdictions integrate the teaching and learning of ESD within their curricula (early childhood, primary and post-primary), and provides insights into how the selected jurisdictions (Australia, Denmark, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland and Sweden) interpret and manage the UNESCO vision for ESD.

This vision focuses on Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on Quality Education, and specifically on target 4.7 (UNESCO, 2020, p. 14):

By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

The report outlines the main findings in response to four research questions:

  1. What is the expressed aim or intention for ESD in the ESD strategy or curriculum policy/ framework for early years, primary and secondary education?
  2. Where does ESD sit within curriculum frameworks/policy documents and how is it integrated in the curriculum?
  3. What ESD content knowledge is integrated in the curriculum framework(s)/policy documents, and what is the emphasis for ESD content knowledge, competencies and skills within these documents?
  4. How is ESD in the curriculum encouraged and supported; what are the key enablers supporting ESD in the curriculum?

This cross-sectoral research was presented to all three NCCA boards, and approved by Council, for publication on ncca.ie. The research is timely as NCCA is currently developing a new strategic plan for 2022-2025. It provides opportunities to further consider ESD in curriculum and assessment from early childhood to senior cycle.