Award-winning academy wins international green eco-flag award
By Jill Dando News students including Tamsen, 14, and Chloe Mathers, 15
Jubilant students at Priory Community School Academy in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset have been awarded the prestigious international green eco-flag for their superb environmental work.
It follows their amazing work in making their school more environmentally friendly and raising eco-awareness in fellow pupils.
It is especially incredible news as it was their first year as a campaigning group.
To win the amazing award, they planted 420 trees back in November which Her Majesty the Queen then uploaded to her Jubilee Tree Planting Green Canopy map.
And they placed two plants in every single room in an eco-boosting exercise to put more greenery and oxygen across the school.
Furthermore, the students worked with teachers Joe Brand and Rachel Watts to conduct an environmental review, assessing how eco-friendly their school is.
They reviewed everything from the school’s recycling practices, to energy usage, to how environmental themes are covered in classrooms.
Building on their findings, they plan a year of activities that will further boost their green-credentials.
Last year, the students successfully campaigned to introduce biodegradable forks into the cafeteria with future catering eco changes.
Mr Brand said: “The Eco committee have done an incredible job this year, especially considering this is their founding year.
“They have been enthusiastic and energetic and driven a number of initiatives across the year.
Their biggest success has been creating a clear message for sustainability in the school and raising awareness of the issues and encouraging student participation.”
Student Chloe Mathers, Eco-committee Chair, said: “Being part of the ECO committee this year has allowed me to advance my skills in organising projects, collaborating with others to achieve our collective goals and to boost my confidence in taking control and presenting ideas to the rest of the committee as well as staff members and other students.”
Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: “Earning an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award takes passion, commitment and a desire to make a difference. Pupils should be proud of their great work. They’re an inspiration and it makes us feel heartened and positive about the future of our planet.”
To learn more about Eco-Schools head to www.eco-schools.org.uk
Principal Angelos Markoutsas said: “I am so proud of our students for all their eco work to win this prestigious award.
“They have done tremendously.”
Eco-Schools was founded in 1994, operates in 67 countries and engages 19.5 million young people globally.
The Eco-Schools Green Flag national award recognises, rewards and celebrates the environmental achievements of young people.
For more stories see http://www.goodnewspost.co.uk
