Helping children and young people understand risk, build confidence and develop practical skills is one of the most effective ways to strengthen community resilience for generations to come. Our new report explores how Scotland can better embed emergency resilience throughout education, bringing together the perspectives of policymakers, educators, researchers, emergency planners and third-sector organisations to identify opportunities for lasting change.
This report represents the latest chapter in more than seven years of NCR research exploring how education can help build a more resilient Scotland.
Since its establishment, the National Centre for Resilience has invested in understanding how children and young people can become active participants in building community resilience.
Over the past seven years, NCR has commissioned and supported research into resilience education, explored how emergency preparedness can be embedded within schools, and worked closely with educators, policymakers and communities to translate evidence into practical action.
This programme of work has already had a significant impact, including joint funding for a dedicated Community Resilience Development Officer within Education Scotland in 2018/2019 to strengthen links between resilience and education, as well as the development of educational resources now being used by schools across Scotland.
Most recently, this work informed the creation of Are You Prepared? an illustrated emergency resilience game, developed with guidance from NCR statutory partners. The resource has now been distributed to every state primary school in Scotland, helping thousands of children explore natural hazards, preparedness and community resilience through creative, curriculum-linked learning.
Building on this momentum, NCR convened a national policy roundtable to ask an important question: What needs to happen next if resilience education is to become embedded across Scotland’s education system?
The Supporting Schools to Embed Emergency Resilience in Learning roundtable brought together representatives from Scottish Government, Education Scotland, local authorities, academia, emergency planning, emergency services and the third sector.
Together they explored:
- how resilience can be embedded across Curriculum for Excellence
- opportunities for experiential and outdoor learning
- how teachers can be better supported
- ways to strengthen partnerships between schools and resilience organisations
- ensuring young people’s voices are central to resilience planning.
The discussion recognised that resilience education is about far more than responding during emergencies. It is about equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and critical thinking skills they need to navigate an increasingly uncertain future.
Key report findings
The report highlights several priorities for future action, including:
- Embedding resilience across Curriculum for Excellence rather than treating it as a standalone topic.
- Supporting teachers through professional learning and accessible resources.
- Expanding opportunities for experiential learning, including serious games, outdoor learning and simulations.
- Strengthening collaboration between education, emergency planning, academia and communities.
- Recognising children and young people as active contributors to community resilience.
As with all of NCR’s policy roundtables, the aim is not simply to capture discussion, but to create momentum. This report brings together the insights of those working across research, policy and practice, and we hope it can act as a foundation for future conversations, partnerships and action to embed emergency resilience in learning across Scotland.
As with all our projects, if you would like to discuss this with our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at: nationalcentreforresilience@glasgow.ac.uk
