Eco Schools - Our 'Green Teen' Strategy

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Being socially responsible is an important part of our ethos. Understanding global social, ethical, economic and environmental issues is part of the school’s curriculum and wider co-curricular provision.  The School will seek to develop partnerships with our partner schools and organisations in with the aim of developing a mutual understanding of environmental challenges and opportunities to take action. In addition, where appropriate, we will invest in ethical and environmentally sustainable products. 

Whole school community engagement is critical to success, as is the development of pupils who will become influential adults, able to influence environmental action across many spheres. The aim is to ensure they leave school well-informed, skilled and engaged in improving the environment.  Environmental issues are learnt as part of the curriculum and are integral to numerous learning activities, as well as the wider curriculum and co-curriculum.  We have joined up with ECO Schools to raise awareness and take action about environmental issues. We do this through whole school activities, including involving people outside the school.    

It is important that our pupils and staff feel safe and healthy, both physically and mentally. Providing clear dietary information that allows pupils to eat healthily while understanding the environment effects will be important.  Healthy ways of cooking and sourcing sustainable food will be a key factor to engage with pupils and staff to inform them about locally sourced products. The aim will be to reduce the adverse effect on the environment by supportive local and sustainable farming and recycling in packaging.    

Options for reducing school trips or managing their impact on the environment will be investigated. While supporting a diverse community the school wishes to reduce its carbon footprint by reviewing its transport fleet and needs, encouraging the use of electric vehicles where appropriate. Many staff members already walk, cycle or use electric vehicles.

The School uses significant resources in terms of food, paper and equipment. Usage will be monitored to allow comparison with previous years. The aim is to reduce wastage. This will be achieved not only by using less but by reusing material where possible. Lastly, but equally importantly, the school will also recycle as much as possible, particularly paper, glass, cardboard and IT consumables.

It is important to increase awareness of the problems of litter and the need to tidy up.  The school will ensure that that there are an appropriate number of bins around the grounds. The staff and pupils should also play a responsible part in the local community by not littering.