Our Commitment

At Rathfern, we are committed to educating and empowering children to understand the world they live in and to help shape a fairer, safer and more sustainable future for everyone. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework for tackling inequality, protecting the planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all.

We believe that schools play a vital role in helping children understand global challenges and become active citizens who make a positive difference locally and globally.

Why the SDGs Matter to Us

In 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, consisting of 17 global goals. These goals call on all nations – and future generations – to take action for a more just and sustainable world.

At Rathfern:

• The SDGs help us envision a better future

• Pupils learn that their actions today shape tomorrow

• We connect global issues to local, real-world experiences

• We believe in education as a force for social and environmental justice

Alongside the UN’s 17 goals, our school is actively advocating for an additional goal:
⭐ SDG 18 – Racial Equality
We are committed to challenging inequality and promoting racial justice as an essential foundation for a fair society.

SDGs in Our Curriculum

The SDGs are not an add-on—they are woven through our teaching, assemblies, projects and school culture. Our approach is iterative, meaning we continually reflect, refine and adapt learning so children can explore meaningful links between local and global issues.

Through inquiry-based learning, social action projects, discussion and critical thinking, pupils are inspired to ask big questions and take purposeful action.

For example:

• Year 5 – “Wild, Wondrous Water”

  • Connects to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

  • SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-Being)

  • SDG 4 (Quality Education)

  • SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation)

Children explore how access to clean water, food and education impacts health and opportunity around the world.

Social Action in Practice

We support pupils to become compassionate, informed and proactive citizens. Our students learn that even small actions create change.

Examples include:

• School-run food bank responding to SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Community projects to promote wellbeing, equality and sustainability

• Class-led campaigns and student voice projects

• Critical thinking about fairness, privilege, “habitus” and global inequality

Children learn to recognise injustice and develop the courage to challenge it.

Our Vision

We aim for every Rathfern pupil to:

• Understand global challenges and inequalities

• Recognise their power to create change

• Think critically and act with empathy

• Value equity, justice and sustainability

• Become responsible and engaged global citizens

By weaving SDGs into school life, we help children build the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to help shape a brighter future for people and planet.