Eco School Project
In November 2007, an action team was put together to work on this project. We found that when we looked at the criteria for working through the programme that we, as a school, were already doing many of the suggested items. It is now up to us to present them to enable us to be recognised for the standards we have already achieved.
The Eco-Schools programme provides a simple framework to enable our school to analyse its operations and become more sustainable.
By following the programme, our school will become a more stimulating place in which to learn, whilst reducing the environmental impact of the whole school on the community.
The scheme is rooted in a genuine desire to help children become more effective citizens by encouraging them to take responsibility for the future of their own environment. It is not about environmental excellence, it is about our school starting to look at how it impacts upon the environment and how this is decided upon and can be managed.
Pupil involvement is a key part of the Eco-Schools programme. Having pupils engaged in the whole process, including monitoring, action planning and decision-making, leads to genuine ownership of the programme and an increase in their sense of responsibility for the school environment and local area.
It is also an award scheme that will raise the profile of our school in the wider community.
There are three award levels:
• Bronze award - self-assessed via website leading to a certificate
• Silver award - self-assessed via website leading to a certificate
• Green Flag - externally assessed leading to a certificate and flag
Eco-Schools is an umbrella project that our whole school can work towards. It provides an ideal focal point for work across different Year Groups. It helps to improve student/staff lines of communication and unites the whole school community behind a common cause.
As more improvements are made to the school, pupils and staff will be able to see the merits of being involved in the programme, which will help to engender long-term support for the scheme.
By encouraging pupils to take responsibility for the environmental management of their school, they will develop an increased sense of responsibility for their surroundings.
Eco-Schools enhances and thrives within a caring school community where the views of others are valued and action is taken in response to these views. The school becomes a place to make positive changes and to make a difference.
Many schools following the programme have reported an improvement in the behaviour of pupils as they develop an increased sense of belonging and pride within the school. The linking to the curriculum has also been said to add purpose to the study, increasing the level of pupil engagement during lessons.