Transition in Action, Totnes 2030, an Energy Descent Action Plan

2016-2020

Making and repairing your own clothes has become a key part of school life, and shoes and other garments are now designed for durability rather than disposability. People with skills in handicrafts, sewing knitting, quilting etc. give some lessons in schools.
Many people register with St. John’s for their First Aid Courses to help people suffering from heat exhaustion. St. John’s are also training additional ambulance drivers.
The Elders sharing stories with younger people has gained in popularity, as the younger children enjoy stories about the crazy years of extravagance. Some children make pictures of the stories.

With school numbers reducing, adult education expands into KEVICCS and some courses are held during the day. Students are interested in the novelty of having older people around the school and suggest some combined classes. The school orchestra and choir benefits from the mix of skills and experience.
Small allotment spaces are being offered at some schools to local parents in exchange for giving surplus vegetables to the school kitchen and training to students in gardening. A number of the parents take it in turns to help provide school luncheon, the children are allowed to take turns in help cook.
Community training has developed into a wide choice of opportunities for young people doing their community gap year. They can gain community credits at the end of the year that reflects well on their CVs.
In groups roughly the size of yearly intake, some members meet to discuss and vote on what changes they would like to see in the school and how any agreed changes can best be realised.

The Department of Education agrees to reduce the school week to 4 days in places where a local community day has become established. This is to enable children to participate in local food growing and other community based and ‘extended classroom’ activities.
Schools from pre-school to 6^th form have more autonomy and much less prescriptive national curriculum to adhere to. Teachers use their unions and networks to exchange ideas and many have taken additional training in ‘Teaching through Play and conversations’, which has become a popular part of general studies for all age groups.
In the wake of the unpopularity of the loans system, 3^rd level education is diversified to include people from the community, business and academia who can build education credits by offering lectures, research and supports into the system.
The Mansion House’s Community Training proves a very popular course that leads onto clear community benefits. Community groups are being encouraged to share the teaching with members of local groups and organisations.