We are pleased to share that FIDA’s new International Sustainability Diploma was recognised by a motion in the Scottish Parliament, on 6 June. You can read the motion below:
That the Parliament welcomes the news that the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy (FIDA) has launched a new qualification; understands that the International Sustainability Diploma is open to learners across Scotland and beyond, and, in addition to Dollar Academy, will be piloted in a number of schools such as Alloa Academy, Speyside High School, Braes High School (Falkirk) and Clifton Hall School (Edinburgh) during the 2024-25 session, ahead of a wider launch in 2025-26; believes that the Diploma programme offers what FIDA calls “a different style of learning and teaching, aligned with the recommendations of the Hayward Review (2023)”; understands that it is rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and co-designed with experts from industry and universities, and that students learn through developing solutions to real-world problems; considers that, in addition to building students’ knowledge and understanding of the complex social, environmental, economic and political aspects of sustainability, the Diploma develops important skills such as independent research, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and communication; further considers that entrepreneurship is also a “golden thread” that runs throughout the programme, and this element is co-delivered with the University of Stirling; believes that students learn about the crucial role of business and social enterprise in achieving the SDGs, select one of their three project outcomes to develop further as a business or social enterprise, working with the University of Stirling’s Enterprise Team, and then present their proposal and have the opportunity to receive feedback from entrepreneurs, and wishes everyone involved, from FIDA to the University of Stirling, as well as all of the current and future students and the schools involved, all the very best with this excellent initiative.
This motion was submitted by Alexander Stewart, MSP for mid Scotland and Fife and was supported by Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Pam Gosal, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Bill Kidd, Douglas Ross, Michelle Thomson, Annie Wells and Brian Whittle.
