The Education Workforce Council (EWC) has published the latest episode of its podcast, Sgwrsio with the EWC, exploring the vital role of environmental education in shaping the future of learning in Wales.

Hosted by Bethan Stacey, Director at Professional Development, Accreditation and Policy at the EWC, the episode features Dr. Verity Jones (University of the West of England) and Sharon Davies (Headteacher, Manorbier School), who share their insights on integrating the environment and sustainability into education.

Over the course of the recording, the guests touch upon why environmental education is a key part of the Curriculum for Wales, how schools can embed sustainability into everyday learning, the importance of partnerships, networks, and emotional wellbeing in climate education, and practical teaching strategies, from outdoor learning to digital innovation.

Releasing the episode, Bethan Stacey said “Whether your setting is classroom based or not, this episode highlights how environmental education can foster critical thinking, resilience, and responsibility.

“Our guests explore creative ways to embed the environment into day-to-day practice, and how that can empower learners and young people across Wales with the skills they need to become ethical, informed citizens, and navigate climate challenges in a meaningful way.”

Dr. Verity Jones is Associate Professor in Education specialising in sustainable futures, both social and environmental. In her research on paper, Environmental Education and the new curriculum for Wales, she evaluates an education programme, examining barriers and opportunities in professional development, access to specialist resources, technology use, and partnerships within the Welsh education framework. She has also developed education materials for, amongst others the BBC, Nature England, WJEC, Centre for Alternative Technology and Fashion Revolution.

Sharon Davies is headteacher of Manorbier School who were a lead partner in Dr Jones’ research paper. The school boasts several environmental awards including the platinum Eco-Schools award, and Wales’s first eduCCate Global bronze award for climate literacy. In a 2023 Estyn inspection, it was noted that the school “makes good use of the local area to provide authentic contexts for learning.”

This episode, along with all previous episodes of Sgwrsio with the EWC, are available to listen to now via the EWC website, or via most podcast providers.