Understanding and Learning

Learning and research is one of the three core functions of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve but what do we mean by learning? The Heritage Lottery Fund sum it up well;

"learning is not just about schools, or children; it is about offering opportunities for everyone to develop their understanding in a way appropriate to their needs, interests and background".

Learning can be formal (through the education system) or informal through interpretation (for example at museums) and other activities such as evening classes or hands-on volunteer activities and there are many education projects and activities underway in North Devon's Biosphere Reserve that involve a variety of schools, communities, professional and voluntary organisations.

Learning in North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere - Guidance on the Partnership's vision and approach to learning

Educational resources produced through these projects is available through this site.

Formal education

One of the core functions of Biosphere Reserves. Our work here contributes to the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

UNESCO Associated Schools Network: UK schools are part of this global network of schools associated with UNESCO and including its values of human rights, mutual respect and cultural diversity into their children's learning. All members are encouraged to undertake projects and activities related to four study themes:

1. The UN system
2. Education for Sustainable Development
3. Peace and Human Rights
4. Intercultural Learning

There are currently 54 UNESCO Associated schools in the UK, involved in projects around one or more of the four study themes. It is easy for your school to join the Network. Find out more.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO Associated Schools can also twin with others around the world. Biosphere Reserve Twinning Project. North Devon's twin.

Biosphere Schools - Five schools have joined together in the Biosphere Schools Partnership to exploit the potential of the Reserve for out-of-class room learning.

Eco-schools -This is an international programme to guide schools on their sustainable journey, providing a framework to help embed these principles into the heart of school life. Some of the schools are Biosphere Schools, but the majority aren't. There are 46 nations around the world that run programmes in more than 40,000 schools. Eco-Schools is administered in England by ENCAMS. Once registered, schools follow a simple seven-step process which helps them to address a variety of environmental themes, ranging from litter and waste to healthy living and biodiversity.

People and environment - A new suite of Key Stage 2 learning and teaching materials for primary schools focused on North Devon's Biosphere Reserve - its past, present and future.

Sea4Life - A cross-curriculum project enhancing awareness and understanding of students' local coastal and marine environments. With the help of local artists, the heritage, beauty, biology and geology of the area are brought together with 'creative interpretation'.

North Devon College Courses - The college offers foundation degrees related to the Biosphere Reserve. The Human Bio-Medical Sciences includes a Sustainable Development module designed and taught by the Biosphere Reserve team using the Biosphere Reserve as a study site. Diplomas are also run in Sustainable Construction and Tourism. The college is seeking to be re-located in Barnstaple and to take on a new inspirational design that will encourage learning and community development as a new University College.

Interpretation

Interpretation is the revealing of stories, messages and meaning as opposed to just the passing of information (the provision of facts). It is essential to encourage the understanding, conservation and enjoyment of North Devon's natural, cultural and built heritage. Interpretation Strategy for North Devon Interpretation Tool Kit

Research

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves have a specific research function and a responsibility to disseminate that information for learning to communities within particular Reserves, to other Biosphere Reserves and to the wider world. North Devon's BR has a group specifically looking at the research needs and opportunities for the area. The group includes universities, research institutions, government agencies and local specialists. More