Case Study – Bronze Award
Being a small rural school in central Bedfordshire, initially the prospect of Eco-Schools accreditation seemed quite daunting. Many of the case studies on the Eco-Schools web site seemed to be on a very large scale, however, we decided to embark on our Eco journey; taking small but measurable steps forward.
Getting Started
With a small team of twelve staff, time and resources are limited and I was concerned about the level of staff support, however, I need not have worried! Immediately, two members of staff came forward and offered their services and our Green Team now consists of three members of staff and four pupils!
Environmental Review
The Team’s first task was to determine “where are we now” and then decide on our future priorities. We carried out an informal review and the children were able to put forward their opinions and suggestions. As always their enthusiasm and creativity was endless, making sensible, achievable suggestions on how we can improve our local environment and our global perspective.
Planning our Eco-Projects
Our action plan was formulated and many of the ideas were simple but very effective, for example introducing classroom lighting monitors (breaktime/lunchtime), re-using waste paper for wet play etc, issuing letters / information electronically via the website, substantially reducing the number of paper copies, and forming a lunchtime Eco D&T club. In addition, we’ve planted our own vegetable garden and the produce will be used in our school dinners. We’ve also introduced chickens to the school, the eggs will be used again in our school dinners and the chicken waste for compost!! We have our very own Eco-system in place! The whole school has been able to feel involved in making change and will continue to do so.
Eco-Noticeboard
As well as having our own notice board, we will also shortly be introducing a special area on our web site and learning platform giving useful advice and information on how to become “greener”. Our termly Eco newsletter, also highlights our Eco-Schools ethos and future projects etc.
At this year’s summer fayre the Green Team we will be selling our bird feeders and we’ll be taking orders for our “proto-type” bee houses. The monies raised will be ploughed back into our Eco-Schools fund.
We have just been awarded our Bronze Award and it is hoped we will work towards our Silver Award next term. We have some fantastic ideas to take forward including ways to reduce our carbon footprint / energy conservation, including solar power options, building our own green house using recycled plastic bottles, planting further fruit trees, and introducing more wildlife friendly plants into our garden areas.
Benefits
One of the many positive benefits about this initiative has been the amazing support we’ve received from everyone, not least the children, staff and governors but also members of the local community and local businesses – it’s a fantastic example of how working collaboratively can improve everyone’s qualify of life and the environment.
With our amazing Green Team, I’m sure we will be well on our way to achieving Silver soon.
Mandy Taylor
Eco-Schools Co-ordinator
| Green Flag: | 1,179 |
| Silver: | 3,924 |
| Bronze: | 4,646 |
