35 A Framework to Support Curriculum Design for ESD – facilitating the embedding of ESD into the Trinity Curriculum

Dr Caitríona Ní Shé outlined Trinity College Dublin’s new curriculum design framework for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Developed through a HEA SATLE funded ESD Fellows programme, the framework is designed to support academics embedding sustainability into their programmes and modules in ways that are coherent, accessible, and discipline-appropriate.

Rather than working directly from all 17 SDGs, the framework focuses on a set of broad ESD themes, informed by the “wedding cake” model of planetary boundaries, society, and economy. These themes are linked to UNESCO’s key sustainability competencies—such as systems thinking, critical reflection, and anticipatory skills—ensuring that teaching fosters not only knowledge but also values and action.

Three pedagogical approaches underpin the framework: learner-centred, action-oriented, and transformative teaching. Dr Ní Shé emphasised that these must be embedded alongside teaching, learning, and assessment strategies to create a “jigsaw” where all four pieces—themes, competencies, pedagogies, and assessment—work together.

To help staff engage, Trinity has launched an online resource hub, including competency guides, assessment ideas, and a “quick start” section for lecturers not yet ready to redesign whole modules. Toolkits and workshops are also being developed to support programme teams, while professional development builds on early pilot modules.

Dr Ní Shé highlighted that this structured approach provides both flexibility and consistency, enabling Trinity to scale up ESD while respecting disciplinary differences. Ultimately, the framework aims to ensure that every student develops sustainability competencies as part of their Trinity education.

About the author

name: Dr Caitríona Ní Shé

institution: Trinity College Dublin

Dr Caitríona Ní Shé is an Academic Developer in the Centre for Academic Practice at Trinity College Dublin.