Eco Schools is a programme for promoting environmental awareness in a way that links to many curriculum subjects, including citizenship, personal, social and health education (PSHE) and education for sustainable development. It is also an award scheme that will raise the profile of your school in the wider community.
The Eco Schools process is holistic. It works by involving the whole school (pupils, teachers, non-teaching staff and governors) together with members of the local community (parents, the local authority, the media and local businesses). It will encourage teamwork and help to create a shared understanding of what it takes to run a school in a way that respects and enhances the environment.
Eco Schools offers your school:
- an opportunity to make environmental issues a part of the life of the school
- an opportunity to help develop young people's decision-making skills
- curriculum materials and ideas for projects and events
- access to a network of support agencies
- links with other schools in the UK and Europe
- a prestigious award
- opportunities for local and national publicity
- potential for financial savings.
Eco Schools requires:
- the support of the headteacher and governors
- a willingness to involve pupils in decision-making and action at every stage
- active involvement of staff and the wider school community
- a willingness to take action to instigate long-term change.
How does Eco Schools work?
The Eco Schools programme involves three main stages:
- implementing the seven elements of the process
- applying for one of the three Eco Schools awards - a bronze-level award, a silver-level award or a Green Flag - depending on how much you have achieved
- renewing your award every two years.
Your school will be involved in a variety of environment projects, roadside care schemes and litter picks.
So far, 76 schools are registered as taking part in the Eco Schools - the highest number of schools involved in the project in all Metropolitan Boroughs throughout England. 35 borough schools have achieved the prestigious green flag award, 27 have a silver award and 36 have received a bronze award.
