One of the key aims of Eco-Schools is to see the whole school participate in environmental activity. Whilst the Action Team will take the lead on planning and developing the Action Plan, it is very important that as many pupils and teachers participate in the projects as possible. For pupils to really engage with Eco-Schools and feel proud of achievements the Action Team needs to ensure the whole school is involved.
One of the best ways of involving the whole school is to hold a regular Day of Action. A Day of Action is an opportunity for everyone in the school – pupils, teachers and non-teaching staff – to get together to work towards achieving some of the targets set out in your Action Plan. You could hold a clean up event or ban junk food for a healthy eating day. You could even turn off lights and heating for the day and hold some of your lessons in the school grounds.
As you progress through the Eco-Schools programme you will increasingly have the opportunity to link the work you are doing to the wider community. Involving parents, neighbours, local businesses and the local authority can be excellent sources of advice, practical assistance and even funding. Schools are the focal point of the whole community and as such can inspire and demonstrate how sustainability can be adopted into homes and at the heart of the local community.
The following shows some areas where you can enhance your Eco-Schools work by including the whole school and the wider community.
When the Action Team is formed:
At Environmental Review stage:
When preparing Action Plan:
Launching Eco-School projects:
As part of monitoring and evaluation:
Celebrate your achievements:
