FEATURE FOCUS: SUSTAINABILITY
Collaborating for change: how education and industry are building geospatial leaders for a sustainable future
Education Today hears from Dr Claire Evans, Head of Geography at Bloxham School C
limate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a defining challenge of our time. Yet, as Professor Sylvia Knight from the Royal Meteorological Society recently warned: “As the UK moves toward a clean energy economy, climate literacy will be fundamental to preparing young people for green careers. While students care deeply about climate change, many are leaving school without the knowledge and confidence they’ll need to make informed choices - both as citizens and as workers in a decarbonised economy.”
BAt the same time, employers and government reports highlight a widening green skills gap. Geospatial expertise, climate literacy, and future-ready capabilities – such as creative problem-solving and leadership – are among the most urgent requirements for tomorrow’s workforce. Education alone cannot close these gaps. That is why collaboration between schools, industry and technology is essential. The Bloxham Sustainability Challenge was created to empower students to address complex environmental issues, apply advanced
GIS tools and develop both technical and transferable skills that will underpin success in the low-carbon economy.
Making the case for sustainability education
In 2024, the number of sustainability-focused job postings rose by 9.2% in the UK alone. The global geospatial technology market is projected to reach $31.2 billion by 2030. Yet currently there are not enough candidates with the right expertise.
Schools have a pivotal role in bridging this gap. According to the recently published Curriculum and Assessment Review, the national curriculum should place greater emphasis on climate education, sustainability, and green skills, alongside digital literacy and applied problem-solving.
With the Department for Education mandating every school to appoint a Sustainability Lead by September 2025, the need for practical, future-focused learning has never been greater.
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www.education-today.co.uk The challenge is set
Launched at Bloxham School in 2023, the Bloxham Sustainability Challenge was conceived not as an extracurricular project, but as a transformative learning experience – integrating real-world sustainability into education while developing the digital and analytical skills demanded by a changing economy. Year 12 students work on authentic briefs that mirror professional decision-making – such as routing underground cables for renewable energy projects or evaluating land use for infrastructure development. Through our partnership with Dalcour Maclaren, a leading land and environmental consultancy, and support by Esri UK, a Geographic Information System (GIS) provider, the initiative connects classroom learning with industry practice, enabling students to apply GIS technology and critical thinking to address pressing environmental and infrastructure challenges. Using Esri’s free for schools ArcGIS platform, students analyse, visualise and communicate spatial data, supported by structured mentorship from Dalcour Maclaren professionals who provide technical GIS guidance and career insight.
December 2025
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