Senior Curriculum Advisory Group Meeting 5 Jan 2012
Thursday 15th Jan 2012 11:00 – 12:00 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 3, Endsleigh Place
Apologies: Richard Gibb, Jim Griffiths, Janet Richardson, Paul Murray
Attendees: Pauline Kneale (Chair), Stephen Sterling, Colin Searls, Hilary Duckett, Debby
Cotton, Jenny Bushrod, Joanna Blake (notes).
Notes and Actions:
Agenda
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7)
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Introductions
Terms of Reference
Contextual Issues – internal and external
CSF strategy and ‘Future Fit Framework’
LiFE
CSF PedRIO
AOB
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Introductions
Stephen stated that this group is part of the wider strategy to clarify CSF’s wider
agenda.
ToRs
Jenny highlighted that the curriculum aspects of the new LiFE Framework (that
replaces Universities That Count) will provide the framework for CSF’s agenda.
Colin recommended that the SED Network (Sustainability Education Developers
currently numbering 9) further publicised to invite greater interest.
Pauline suggested that SEDs be re-contacted to encourage submission of abstracts
to PedRIO Conference in April and the VC’s T&L Conference in July.
Action:
1. SED Network (Sustainability Education Developers currently numbering 9)
publicised further.
2. SEDs to be re-contacted to encourage submission of abstracts to PedRIO
Conference in April and the VC’s T&L Conference in July (Joanna to action).
3)
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Contextual Issues
Stephen highlighted that CSF’s internal capacity to service the university is limited,
post CETL (2005-2010) including Stephen and Joanna = 1 and half staff! A key
consideration is how to position the CSF politically in order to gain support?
Colin suggested aligning CSF’s strategy to the university’s ‘innovation’ agenda as
there is longer-term thinking around innovation. HE is taking the lead in large-scale
innovation and there are areas for research and development rather than a focus on
individual behaviour change.
Hilary suggested that increasing media exposure, for example making use of data
such as Devon being the number one recycling county in the UK. This could link with
PhDs.
Jenny stated that marketing sustainability credentials internally needs to be
enhanced. However, curricula development is hard to measure.
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4)
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5)
7)
CSF Strategy and Future Fit Framework
E-Resource ought to be published very soon.
Can be used a part of the self-assessment tool and presented to the T&L committee
in March.
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LiFE
LiFE first submission in May 2012
Pauline highlighted that the framework allows different terms to be highlighted.
Sustainability links with Social Responsibility and the double phrase is helpful to
engage a wider range of people.
Draft one on submission needs to be complete by March.
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CSF & PedRIO
ESD is strand of forthcoming conference.
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6)
Stephen responded saying that the thoroughness of tools will be revealed and
suggested that a planned half-day sustainability swap-shop could launch a selfassessment tool to guide current levels of sustainability in the curricula.
Colin added that framing sustainability issues as discursive rather than conclusive or
prescriptive could help engage teaching staff. Including the tool in periodic and
programme reviews could help facilitate the process.
Pauline suggested presenting the self-assessment tool at the next T&L Committee
meeting in March 2012.
Pauline suggested discussing this with Bill Rammell.
Stephen added that it is also a current KPI: from 2010 one third of students will
experience a dimension of sustainability in their curriculum.
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AOB –
People and Planet is being judged now.
The university’s Sustainability Report will be published in March.
A successful SIF Bid (currently with OVC) will help keep Plymouth retain its leading
edge.
The group could urge people to put in research and teaching bids with sustainability
dimensions. Support could be sought that would turn research into T&L activities,
providing opportunities for research-led teaching, for example with short, 3-month
support given.
Next meeting suggested in late May or Sept.
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