21 March 2024
A South West teacher’s practical approach to sustainability education has been showcased around the world by the United Nations.
Busselton Senior High School teacher Geoff Holt’s impact on the local community has gone global as he shared the project-based learning initiatives school students and staff took part in.
Busselton Senior High School staff and students are passionate about sustainability.
Mr Holt presented at the United Nations Economic and Social Council’s Best Practices in Education for Sustainable Development Pedagogy and Curriculum virtual event.
His work was also selected to feature as a case study in the Global Schools Case Studies Guide 2024 launched in New York.
Sustainable education initiatives implemented at the school Mr Holt highlighted included building quenda sanctuaries in Meelup Regional Park, revegetating areas to prevent the spread of dieback, planting trees, safeguarding coastal dunes, and fostering increased environmental appreciation and Indigenous cultural awareness.
Mr Holt said it was fantastic for students and staff to receive global recognition for best practice in sustainability education.
“I am very proud of the efforts of the students and staff at Busselton Senior High School and thank our many partners involved in our Caring for Country and Sustainability projects,” he said.
“To be asked to present to the UN ECOSOC event and to feature in the Global Schools Case Study Guide representing Oceania is a tremendous endorsement of the work of our students, our staff, and many friends in the wider community.
“We are one of the very few schools offering Education for Sustainable Development as an elective to students in Years 7 and 8 and we are proud to contribute to protecting biodiversity and offering our students opportunities to care for country and take practical action as global citizens.”