Creating a Supportive & Sustainable School
Course Overview
Creating a Supportive & Sustainable School
In the context of this course, creating a supportive and sustainable school means fostering an inclusive, collaborative learning environment while actively teaching environmental responsibility. It combines social sustainability—where every student feels valued, respected, and safe—with environmental sustainability, integrating nature-based lessons, outdoor activities, and ecological projects into everyday teaching.
The supportive school environment also includes basic awareness of bullying prevention and self-defense strategies, giving both teachers and students the tools to respond effectively to challenging situations. By connecting classroom learning to real-life environmental actions and promoting respect, safety, and cooperation, schools can strengthen community bonds and prepare students to become active, responsible citizens who contribute to a sustainable future.
An inspiring mix of nature experiences, team building activities, bullying prevention, environmental education, health topics, sports & digital skills, this course provides theoretical input combined with practical activities.
This Erasmus+ course invites educators and professionals to explore the deep connections between environment, mental and physical health, and education through sportive or interactive outdoor experiences in the breathtaking natural landscapes of Bregenzerwald and its surrounding area— a region uniquely situated between lake and mountains.
Combining social and environmental topics with physical activities and practical learning, this course provides fresh ideas and ready-to-use materials for classroom application, while also supporting personal wellbeing and sustainability awareness - every aspect needed in a supportive school environment, which helps reduce a school's drop-out rates. In addition, participants learn how to improve their digital skills by completing digital tasks.
Course Highlights (depending on availability – program subject to change):
- The course offers a rich variety of outdoor activities like hiking in the Bregenzerwald Mountains or the Alps, along with an excursion to a site of ecological or environmental significance. A hands-on experience will be part of the programme, for example, eradicating saplings in a high moor to maintain balance in the ecosystem as a teambuilding effort. Guidance of a park ranger of the Nagelfluhkette environmental park.
- Participants will engage in an environmental project which enhances group cohesion, such as building an insect hotel or creating and keeping up a permaculture garden.
- A hands-on self-defense workshop with our in-house self-defense expert who specializes on self-defense for women.
- Participants will learn how to teach their students a way of defending themselves without using violence
- The program also encourages participants to create digital media or local newspaper content — such as videos or photo stories — for use in school projects or on social media, supporting the development of digital skills. Throughout the week, there will be multiple opportunities for exchange and networking with colleagues from across Europe.
All content is designed to be classroom-ready.
Each participant creates a report of the course activities in a creative form. These reports also serve to highlight and acknowledge the support of the European Union and to share insights from the course with a wider audience.
Please note that all outdoor activities will be adapted to the physical abilities of the participants. This ensures that everyone can take part comfortably and without feeling overwhelmed, regardless of their fitness level.
If you have any specific interests, we would be happy to incorporate them into the course.
Erasmus+ funding is available.
Welcome to Lingenau – Your Gateway to the Bregenzerwald Lingenau is a charming village nestled in the heart of the Bregenzerwald region in western Austria. Surrounded by lush green hills and picturesque alpine scenery, it offers the perfect setting for relaxation, inspiration, and connection with nature. Despite its tranquil atmosphere, Lingenau is easy to reach: a direct bus runs from Bregenz train station to Lingenau, making your journey simple and stress-free. From May 1st to October 31st, guests staying in the region can take advantage of the Bregenzerwald Guest Card. This card includes free public transportation from Bregenz to Lingenau and in the area – ideal for sustainable and comfortable travel. Lingenau is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its hospitality and cultural richness. Whether you're here for a course, a retreat, or to explore the region, you'll find everything you need for a memorable stay. Experience the Bregenzerwald – A Natural Retreat in Every Season Nestled between lush alpine pastures and forested hills, the Bregenzerwald region is known for its gentle, rolling mountains, traditional wooden villages, and a harmonious balance of nature, culture, and craftsmanship. Whether you visit in summer or winter, the landscape invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the outdoors. Nature That Inspires The Bregenzerwald’s scenery is distinct – a peaceful mix of green hills, deep gorges, clear mountain streams, and wide meadows framed by the Alps. Its well-preserved cultural landscape is the result of centuries of sustainable farming and forest management. Walking here feels like stepping into a storybook – with cows grazing on flower-strewn fields and handcrafted wooden houses dotting the valleys. In every season, the Bregenzerwald offers more than just outdoor fun. You’ll experience warm hospitality, high-quality regional food, and a deep connection to place and tradition. Whether sipping herbal tea on a sun terrace, hiking to an alpine hut, or watching snow fall outside a wooden sauna – this is a place to slow down and feel at home in nature.
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Join many educators from across Europe and elevate your teaching with hands-on training, expert-led workshops, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Our Erasmus+ courses are designed to inspire, connect, and empower teachers like you.
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