SA preschoolers to benefit from Environmental Education Action Plan, learn in nature

South Australian children attending a public preschool will benefit from an Environmental Education Action Plan that will encourage educators to get children out of the classroom to learn in nature as part of a unique joint-program between the Environment and Education departments revealed by the SA Government late last week. 

The Environmental Education Action Plan 2021-2024 aims to improve environmental and sustainability education opportunities for public preschool and school students.

The program, Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said, is an opportunity for children to learn key life skills while making a strong connection with the state’s natural environment.

As well as supporting a connection with the environment, Mr Speirs outlined the link between the program and employment pathways that support South Australia’s growth industries in the natural environment and in the face of a changing climate.

Under the program, students will learn from professionals in the field and schools will also partner with other organisations to get involved in local environmental and sustainability projects based in local parks, bushlands, and community gardens.

“This will provide fantastic opportunities for our young people to learn about conservation and sustainability through immersive experiences at places such as Glenthorne National Park, our botanic gardens and Cleland Wildlife Park,” he explained.

Preschool and school learning activities will be evidence based and incorporate the latest scientific research and most accurate data, and align with the Australian Curriculum, SA Minister for Education John Gardner said.

The program has been co-designed to support pathways for students in industries such as conservation and land management, agriculture and animal care, as well as aquaculture, horticulture and forestry.

It will provide students with opportunities to learn from employers about essential skills for the environmental and sustainability fields including future careers for the rollout of the new South Australia’s hydrogen energy sector.

For more information on the Environmental Education Action Plan 2021-2024 please see here.