Dr Kate Ferguson-Patrick Receives SDG Advance HE Grant for Innovative Curriculum Development
Dr Kate Ferguson-Patrick, a Senior Lecturer and Primary Education specialist for the School of Education, has been awarded one of the prestigious Global Impact Grants by Advance HE for the academic year 2023-24. This competitive grant, which provides funding of up to £1,000, is extended to a select group of individuals, with Dr Ferguson-Patrick being among the 15 recipients. It recognises her work in integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into higher education curricula, specifically focusing on the intersection of quality education and sustainable development.
Dr Kate Ferguson-Patrick's success stems from her initiative titled "Preservice teachers linking quality education to sustainable development in authentic local and global contexts." The initiative centres on a course titled "K-6 Curriculum Contexts: Integration and Inclusion" offered by the University of Newcastle’s School of Education. This course aims to enhance professional skill development in curriculum design among pre-service teachers through practical engagement, reflection, and action.
Dr Kate Ferguson-Patrick outlines the core components of the initiative, emphasising its alignment with Education for Sustainable Development principles. The course requires pre-service teachers pursuing a Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree to complete a curriculum unit that integrates authentic local and global contexts, including service learning, community engagement, and alignment with the SDGs. Certified by the UNITAR CIFAL Newcastle centre, the course has witnessed significant success over four years, impacting over 600 future educators.
Dr Kate Ferguson-Patrick's work exemplifies the crucial role of higher education institutions in fostering sustainability and social responsibility. By equipping future teachers with the tools to integrate SDGs into their teaching practices, her initiative enhances the quality of education and also contributes to broader societal goals of fostering tolerance, collaboration, and sustainable development.
Ian Hall, Advance HE Head of Membership (International), said, “I’m delighted that we are able to award these grants to the successful applicants whose work particularly stood out in a very strong field.
“Everyone in higher education has a role to play – large or small – in contributing to the UNSDGs and it’s vital to share good practice around the world. Advance HE is in a fortunate position to be able to convene good ideas and we look forward to sharing these case studies once they are developed.”
To find out more about the other recipients, click here.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
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