Research profile
Bethan O’Driscoll
PME in Primary Education
Recognising the role education plays in all forms of sustainable development, Bethan strives to instil an appreciation for and an awareness of sustainable food systems amongst her pupils.
Research Paper Title
The Support of Sustainable Food System Education by the Primary Curriculum of Ireland: Teachers’ Perspectives
Abstract
This study investigated teacher perspectives on the support of sustainable food system education in the Primary Curriculum of Ireland. A qualitative methodology was used through the data instrument of semi-structured interviews of participants (n=5) that were purposively selected. Thematic analysis was conducted informed by Braun and Clarke (2006). Themes that include a perceived lack of support for sustainable food system education in the curriculum, the use of a transdisciplinary approach through teaching methodologies of outdoor learning and local contexts, and challenges of curriculum overload and a lack of teacher education emerged. Recommendations drawn from this research identify a need for improved cross-curricular integration regarding sustainable food system education along with the need for more teacher training and support resources in this area.
Biography
Bethan O’Driscoll graduated with a First Class Honours in the Professional Master of Education (PME) in Primary Education from Hibernia College in 2023. She is currently teaching Senior Infants in an Educate Together primary school in Dublin. Prior to pursuing a career in teaching, Bethan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree in Environmental Science from Trinity College Dublin. While a passion for the environment was nurtured by her grandmother, Bethan’s studies allowed her to develop a more specific interest in the relationship between food and the environment.
Recognising the role education plays in all forms of sustainable development, Bethan strives to instil an appreciation for and an awareness of sustainable food systems amongst her pupils
Research motivation
Can you tell us a bit about your research project?
My research investigated whether primary teachers in Ireland use the national curriculum to teach sustainable food system education, and if so, how and by what means. Through this research also emerged teacher perspectives regarding the benefits and challenges of delivering sustainable food system education.
What motivated you to undertake this research?
From early on in my teacher training, it became apparent to me that food and nutrition was a widely taught topic in the primary classroom. However, I found myself avoiding discussing dietary choices such as vegetarianism and veganism due to a then uncertainty of how to discuss food sustainability issues in an age-appropriate manner. As food sustainability is something I am passionate about, I was motivated to undertake this research as a way of informing myself as to how I may implement sustainable food system education into my future practice.
What impact has it had on your practice?
This research has influenced how I utilise the national curriculum to teach sustainable food education, as it inspired me to integrate subject curricula (SESE, SPHE and Learn Together) as a way of maximising opportunity to teach the topic, in the face of time constraints and curriculum overload.
How important do you feel research will be in your future practice?
With the 2030 target for the Sustainable Development Goals fast approaching, I believe that this research will be an important driver behind my motivation and approach to delivering sustainable food system education in support of these goals.
