K-12 Education Policies

Today we are launching our new report UK Arts, Culture and Young People: Innovative practice and trends This new research provides an up-to-date account of the key issues that young people taking part in UK arts and cultural activities are facing, and how creative practice is responding to those needs. It intends to be useful for arts and cultural organisations, practitioners, funders, and policymakers to better understand current practice and provision for young people in diverse geographical areas, and to inform potential opportunities for building meaningful international connections, relationships, and learning. Ultimately, it is hoped that the research can encourage further discussion and action, within and beyond the UK, to ensure that all young people have access to high-quality arts and cultural opportunities and that those supporting them to do so can be better networked and resourced. It acts as a basis for ensuring that what is working in arts and cultural provision for young people is further bolstered and young people are supported to achieve their potential in the light of global agendas such as the UN Pact for the Future: Declaration on Future Generations, the UN Agenda 2030 and the UNESCO Arts Education Framework. The British Council commissioned this research as part of its international cultural relations activity focusing on the transformative power of arts and culture. This work promotes artistic and cultural expression in the widest sense and recognises its potential for a more inclusive and sustainable future through supporting artists, cultural practitioners, and underrepresented groups.  Key findings  Creative practice – Many organisations are challenging themselves to develop new and interesting ways to support young people. This can focus on developing creativity within a specific artform or enabling creativity more generally across multiple artforms and fields. Co-creation and co-design – Young people are trusted to make decisions about how practice should be structured. Professionals see themselves as enablers of young people’s development journeys more than teachers of how things should be (or be done). Youth voice and representation – There is value especially to sharing the practices in the research relating to youth voice, participation and representation nationally and internationally, to share good practice and models. Local and global activism – Organisations see themselves as having a clear facilitating role for supporting young people to be activists, advocating for issues that affect them locally and globally using creative outputs and methods. Sharing practice (UK and international) – Most organisations indicated that they would like more opportunities to share their practice with peers and funders. This was especially the case across the four nations of the UK, and in international contexts. #youngpeople #culturaleducation https://lnkd.in/dJTufhas

“Relax lah, don’t take it to heart.” “You're just being emotional.” “They're just teasing you. Nothing serious!” Starting 11 July 2025, these remarks are no longer acceptable. Malaysia has officially criminalized workplace harassment and bullying under the Penal Code (Amendment) Act 2025, a critical move toward safer, more respectful work environments for all. As someone in HR, I welcome this change. No one should be made to feel small, anxious, or unsafe in the workplace; not by a colleague, not by a manager, not by anyone. Let’s start normalizing: ✅ Respect in communication ✅ Safe and inclusive workplaces ✅ Professional boundaries ✅ Real accountability, regardless of seniority To leaders: 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮. To employees: You have the 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 at work. This goes beyond company policy. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐰. Criminal offences now include: 🚫 Harassment and public shaming 🚫 Cyberbullying and sharing personal info 🚫 Causing emotional harm or distress Let’s build a workplace where dignity is non-negotiable and respect is the baseline. #HRCommunity #WorkplaceHarassment #RespectAtWork #LeadershipMatters #SafeWorkplace #EmployeeWellbeing #HRVoice #KnowYourRights #LifeAtHorizontal

🌱 NEP 2020 and Inclusion in Preschool Education What does it really mean for children with special needs? For the first time, India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 brings inclusion to the heart of early childhood education. As early years educators, we have both a responsibility and an opportunity to reimagine our classrooms — where every child, regardless of ability, finds a place to learn, grow, and thrive. 💛 ✨ In this carousel, I’ve broken down what NEP 2020 means for: 🔸 Inclusive preschool classrooms 🔸 Early identification and intervention 🔸 Training of teachers and therapists 🔸 Universal design in learning materials 🔸 Family partnerships and accessible infrastructure Let’s move beyond token inclusion and build truly inclusive preschool environments — where support starts early, learning is joyful, and every child is seen. 🌈 📲 Swipe through the carousel to learn more, and let’s continue the conversation: 👉 How is your preschool adapting to NEP 2020? 👉 What support do you think educators need most to include children with disabilities? #NEP2020 #InclusiveEducation #PreschoolMatters #EarlyYearsEducation #SpecialNeeds #ChildDevelopment #EducationForAll #UDL #InclusionInPreschool #CWSN #EarlyChildhoodIndia #Hi5CDC #WhereEveryChildMatters

Energy consumption soars 50% by 2030. A desert school in India stays cool without AC. 400 girls learn what nature already knew. In Jaisalmer's 45°C heat, this oval building defies physics. No cooling systems. No power bills. Just ancient wisdom shaped by New York architects and local artisans. Think about that. Traditional Desert Schools: ↳ AC units running 24/7 ↳ Monthly power bills: ₹200,000+ ↳ Breaks down in sandstorms ↳ Students suffer when grid fails Jaisalmer's Natural Reality: ↳ Zero artificial cooling ↳ Local sandstone insulation ↳ Traditional building techniques ↳ Cool classrooms year-round But here's what stopped me cold: While the world installs more AC units to fight rising heat—accelerating the very problem they solve—these 400 girls study comfortably in nature's own cooling system. Diana Kellogg Architects didn't import solutions. They asked local craftsmen who've built in deserts for centuries. The answer? Jaisalmer sandstone. Thick walls. Strategic curves. Techniques their grandfathers knew. The girls wear Sabyasachi-designed uniforms—elegant blue kurtis with violet trousers—donated free. Because empowerment shouldn't look like charity. What happens when tradition meets innovation: ↳ Construction cost: 70% less than modern schools ↳ Operating cost: Near zero ↳ Local artisans employed: Dozens ↳ Girls educated: 400 and growing The Multiplication Effect: 1 school built = 400 futures changed 10 schools copying = 4,000 girls empowered 100 desert communities adapting = energy crisis avoided At scale = cooling without warming the planet Traditional architecture fights climate. This school works with it. We're installing 10 new AC units every second globally. Meanwhile, a golden oval in the desert proves we already had the answer. Because when energy demand rises 50% by 2030, the solution isn't more power. It's remembering what we forgot. Follow me, Dr. Martha Boeckenfeld for proof that ancient wisdom beats modern waste. ♻️ Share if schools should teach sustainability by being sustainable.

🌍☀️ What if Every School Roof Could Power a #Sustainable Future? 🌍☀️ The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat—it's our present reality: 🌡️ Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since pre-industrial times 🌊 Sea levels are rising at the fastest rate in 3,000 years 🌪️ A 300% increase in extreme weather events #RenewableEnergy is not just an option—it’s our lifeline. The good news: 🔋 India has achieved 179 GW of renewable energy capacity 📈 Solar power in India has grown 28X in just a decade Samarpann is turning aspirations into action. We're installing rooftop solar panels in government schools, combining education with climate action. Impact at a glance: 💡 Reducing 10-15 tons of CO₂ per school annually 💰 Helping schools save ₹50,000–₹75,000 every year 🌱 Contributing to India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 Let’s reimagine the role of schools—not just as centers of learning but as beacons of sustainability and climate resilience. (Sources: IPCC Report 2023, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy) #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #MadhyaPradesh

As the world evolves, our educational approach must also adapt, inspiring stewardship and understanding of global challenges. I’ve crafted curriculum outcomes that blend primary school subjects with real-world activities, fostering curiosity and a proactive mindset in young learners. 1. The study of rainforests - Let’s build a classroom mini-rainforest to explore biodiversity and promote ecosystem conservation. 2. The study of writing letters - Let’s impact future policies by writing persuasive letters to leaders about environmental or social issues. 3. The study of insects - Let’s create a habitat for beneficial insects to promote local biodiversity. 4. The study of history - What can we learn from historical events to improve community cohesion and peace? 5. The study of the food chain - Let’s adopt a local endangered species and start a campaign to protect it. 6. The study of maps - Let’s explore the impacts of climate change on different continents using interactive map projects. 7. The study of basic plants - Let’s cultivate a garden with plants from around the world, focusing on their roles in sustainable agriculture. 8. The study of local weather - Let’s build weather stations to understand climate patterns and their effects on our environment. 9. The study of simple machines - Let’s engineer solutions to improve water and energy efficiency in our community. 10. The study of counting and numbers - Let’s analyze data on recycling rates and set goals for waste reduction. 11. The study of community helpers - Let’s explore how people around the world help improve community well-being and resilience. 12. The study of basic materials - Let’s investigate how everyday materials can be recycled or reused creatively in art projects. 13. The study of stories and fables - Let’s share stories from various cultures that teach lessons about community and cooperation. 14. The study of water cycles - Let’s design experiments to clean water using natural filters, learning about sustainable living practices. 15. The study of world populations - Let’s look at population distribution and discuss how urban planning can address housing and sustainability challenges. 16. The study of ecosystems - Let’s restore a small section of a local park, linking it to the role ecosystems play in human well-being. 17. The study of cultural studies - Let’s hold a festival to celebrate global cultures and their approaches to sustainable living. 18. The study of physics - Let’s discover renewable energy sources through simple experiments. These projects encourage real-world application, teamwork, and problem-solving, emphasizing the role of education in shaping informed, proactive citizens ready to face global challenges. This approach makes learning relevant and essential for today’s interconnected world. Which one will you try? #education #school #teacher #teaching

Did you know that 75% of teachers feel they haven’t received enough training to teach students about climate change and the environment? Yep, you heard that right. Kids spend most of their time learning in schools, and let's face it, the environment is really our first home, even before the houses we live in. So, why is it that learning about the environment at school is just another boring subject? All students do is learn theoretical concepts without any real-life exposure that connects them to their other home – our planet. This is a huge red flag, especially now when parts of India are scorching at 50 degrees Celsius, others are getting unexpected snowfall, and some are dealing with extreme rainfalls. Just changing the curriculum isn’t enough if our teachers, the true facilitators of learning, are’t properly equipped. So, how can we make the environment our kids' best friend without putting all the pressure on teachers? Here are some ideas: 🌱Get the Community Involved: Let’s bring in parents, local environmentalists, and community leaders. We can organize workshops, nature walks, and community clean-up events. This not only raises awareness but also helps everyone feel responsible for our environment. 🌱Hands-On Learning: How about school gardens, composting projects, and recycling programs? Let’s get the kids' hands dirty so they can see the impact of their actions firsthand. 🌱Integrated Learning: Let’s mix environmental education with other subjects like science, geography, and even art. This way, kids can see how what they’re learning applies in different contexts and is relevant to the real world. 🌱Use Technology: There are so many cool educational apps, virtual reality experiences, and online resources out there. These tools can make learning about the environment interactive and fun. 🌱Support Our Teachers: Let’s make sure teachers have regular training and resources to stay updated on the latest environmental issues and teaching methods. This could be through professional development workshops, access to teaching materials, and collaboration with environmental experts. In the end, the environment is our true home. Teaching kids to love and protect it should be something we all take part in. By working together, we can make environmental education a lively and essential part of every child's learning journey, without overwhelming our amazing teachers. Let’s do this together! 💬How do you think we can facilitate better environmental learning for students? Share your thoughts in the comments! LinkedIn for Nonprofits LinkedIn Guide to Creating LinkedIn News India #WorldEnvironmentDay2024 #Students #Teachers #ClimateAction

When I was allowed to watch TV as a child, it was Delta Rainbow Television, our state's Broadcasting Service. Don't worry, it has changed its name a number of times. Now a few things stuck with me. One of them are the songs about societal issues and social justice. I remember one of the songs, it was a campaign about oil pipeline vandalism. "No near where petroleum pipeline dey pass. You go wicked yourself. Otumatu body, na you go suffer. Na you go suffer." I still sing this song as I use it to talk about illegal bunkering and other matters. It is a warning that we shouldn't vandalise the pipelines. I grew up with pipelines all around me. The communities I come from and live in are oil producing, so picture me jumping across pipelines. There are two cases I am very familiar with and I know very close people affected by them. One is the Jesse Fire (1998) and other in Ijala/Ifie (2000). While I saw the water in the creeks turn black and the mangroves die, or the fishes smell like kerosene. Nobody said anything about it in school. It was like a hush hush topic at home. The media on portrayed what it deemed fit. It took me another 16 years to fully understand what was going on in my communities. Why Environmental Education is a Game Changer—Economically and Socially. As we continue our work with students through Coastal and Marine Areas Development Initiative’s SDG School Clubs, one thing is clear: when young people understand their environment, they begin to transform it economically, socially, and personally. Environmental education isn’t just about climate facts or conservation. It is about equipping students with the knowledge to make decisions that protect their health, preserve their heritage, and unlock possible economic opportunities. They begin to see waste as wealth. They connect pollution to public health. They ask bold questions about justice, equity, and livelihoods. They recognise that a protected mangrove is not just nature, it is a buffer, a business opportunity, a birthright. When students are taught about their ecosystems, they gain: 1. Skills for green jobs and innovation. 2. Confidence to lead and advocate. 3. A deeper sense of cultural identity and community ownership. 4. Awareness that empowers families and shifts community mindsets. The work I do is deeply personal to me. Growing up in Warri and working in education, environment and public health, I have seen how environmental harm and economic hardship go hand in hand. But I have also seen how knowledge shared early and shared with hope can begin to reverse that. I hope I keep investing in the next generation of environmental stewards, advocates, and innovators. Because sustainability (yes, a buzzword)is not just a concept. It is a career path, a survival strategy, and a justice issue.

🤮Sickness absence is on the rise!!🤮 If you’re a business owner, you might have noticed sickness absence creeping up. Winter bugs, shorter days and economic stress are all likely culprits. But here’s something more concerning … new starters are joining, then taking significant sick leave almost immediately. That’s a habit that needs nipping in the bud!! And here’s how you can significantly reduce sickness absence in your company: 🤢 Hold ‘return to work’ meetings, no matter how short the absence One day, two days or two weeks - if someone’s taken time off, hold a return to work meeting. Why were they off? Are they fully fit to return? Do they need any support? Regular, short, structured meetings send a clear message that every absence is noticed and taken seriously. 🤢 No working from home when they’re sick If someone’s “too sick to come in,” they’re likely not ok to work from home either. Working whilst ill prolongs recovery and often leads to further absence. If they’re off sick, they need to rest, not answer emails and calls from bed. 🤢 Encourage early reporting and open dialogue Encourage employees to talk about symptoms or concerns before they need time off. It’s amazing how many people will power through until they’re at breaking point. Early reporting allows for adjustments; a lighter workload for a few days, for instance to keep them in work rather than out of it entirely. Creating a culture where people can discuss stress or mental health issues openly is also key. 🤢 Review your probation period terms For new starters, set clear attendance expectations from the beginning. If new recruits are taking more time off than expected, review your probation terms. Stating that consistent attendance is part of probation can help set the tone. Including an option to terminate probation early if attendance is an issue can also be a strong deterrent. 🤢 Track patterns and investigate when needed Keep detailed records and look out for patterns. An employee who’s taken several Mondays off sick, or always falls ill after payday, may need a closer look. Patterns aren’t necessarily proof of misuse but protecting your team from this is part of creating a fair workplace. 🤢 Set expectations and communicate the importance of attendance Remind your team that good attendance is a two way street. It’s about showing up for each other. When someone’s absent, someone else often has to pick up the slack, which can have a ripple effect across the business. Communicating this openly can help people see the bigger picture. Sickness absence isn’t something we can completely eliminate and nor should we try. But by setting clear expectations, holding people accountable and ensuring that sick leave is used for genuine recovery, we can minimise its impact. Most people respond well to a firm but fair approach and in the end, it leads to a healthier, more committed team. Need help with this? Give me a shout!

The Teacher Retention Crisis: Why Good Educators Are Walking Away Most schools don’t have a hiring problem. They have a RETENTION problem. Every year, schools scramble to fill vacancies. A passionate, skilled teacher leaves—burned out, frustrated, or feeling undervalued. The cycle repeats. Is this happening at your school? Why Are Teachers Leaving……? Here’s the truth: Teachers don’t leave because they don’t love teaching. They leave because the system they’re in is unsustainable. And it’s not just about salary either. The real issues? Lack of support, respect, and a sustainable workload. -         Endless demands with little work-life balance. -         Professional development that feels like a checkbox, not real growth. -         A culture that undervalues teachers’ expertise and voice. I once spoke with a veteran teacher who left after 16 years. She said, “I love teaching, but I can’t keep sacrificing my health and family for a job that doesn’t support me.” That’s a problem. What Can Schools Do Differently? Retaining great teachers isn’t about recruitment—it’s about creating an environment where they want to stay. ✅ Respect their time. Reduce unnecessary meetings and paperwork. ✅ Invest in meaningful support. Coaching, mentorship, and real growth opportunities matter. ✅ Listen to teachers. Give them a real voice in decision-making. ✅ Prioritize well-being. Burned-out teachers can’t give their best to students. Let’s Talk What’s one thing your school has done to keep great teachers? Let’s share solutions—drop your thoughts in the comments.