Teaching the SDGs: Sustainability, Agriculture and Global Citizenship Education

Overview

Education plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable future. Teachers today are asked to link classroom learning with global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, food security, and responsible consumption. But how can these big topics be made relevant and engaging for students?

At Blackwater Training, we have developed this Erasmus+ Teacher Training course to help educators bring the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the classroom. With a unique focus on agriculture and rural development, participants will explore practical ways to connect local realities with global challenges, all within Ireland's rich natural and cultural landscape.

This course focuses on the following SDGs:

• SDG 2 – Zero Hunger (sustainable food and agriculture)

• SDG 4 – Quality Education (embedding sustainability in teaching)

• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

• SDG 13 – Climate Action

• SDG 15 – Life on Land (biodiversity and ecosystems)

Through workshops, outdoor learning, and field visits, teachers will discover how to bring these goals to life for their students in practical, creative, and inspiring ways.

Who is it for?

This course is ideal for:Primary and secondary school teachersPrimary and secondary school teachers

• Professionals who want to integrate sustainability into their teaching

• Environmental educators and community trainers

• VET and adult educators 

• Primary and secondary school teachers 

Course Aims

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand and explain the UN SDGs in an educational context.

• Integrate sustainability, agriculture, and climate issues into lessons.

• Use outdoor and experiential learning to connect students with nature.

• Develop lesson plans and school projects around sustainability themes

• Inspire students to think globally and act locally.

Methodology

The course uses a practical, place-based approach, combining:

• Interactive workshops on the SDGs, climate education, and teaching strategies

• Field visits to Irish farms and rural projects

• Experiential outdoor learning to model classroom activities

• Project-based learning to design sustainability-focused lessons

Sample Programme (6 Days)

• Day 1 – Introduction to the SDGs and Global Sustainability Challenges

• Day 2 – Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Food Systems

• Day 3 – Agriculture and Sustainability: Field Visit

• Day 4 – Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning

• Day 5 – Designing Lessons and School Projects Linked to the SDGs

• Day 6 – Cultural day: Visit to be discussed, certification and reflection

Outcomes

Participants will leave with:

• Confidence to teach sustainability through the SDGs

• Lesson plans and resources tailored to their subject areas

• Practical examples of integrating agriculture and rural themes into education

• Deeper awareness of how local and global issues are interconnected

• Certificate of attendance (Europass documentation available)

Practical Information

• Duration: 6 days (5 training + 1 cultural visit)

• Location: Baileborough, Co. Cavan (1 hour from Dublin)

• Group size: 10–20 participants

• Language: English

Fees

€400 per person – Training Only

• 5 full training days (30 hours)

• Training materials and resources

• Tea/coffee breaks

• Certificate of attendance (Europass documentation available)

€550 per person – Training + Cultural Package

• Everything in the Training Only package, plus:

• 1 full-day cultural excursion (e.g. Trim Castle, Boyne Valley, Dublin City)

• Guided cultural activities (music, heritage, storytelling, etc.)

• Organised group reflection and networking during the cultural visit

Accommodation and airport transfers can be arranged upon request. 

Why Blackwater Training?

Located in Ireland's agricultural heartland, Blackwater Training connects professional teacher development with the realities of rural life and global sustainability. Our courses combine expertise in education, sustainability, and community engagement with the inspiration of Ireland's cultural heritage.

Course Dates 

*Required dates not shown? Contact us.

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