Crook Log Primary School

Intent

Eco-Schools’ primary objective is to help schools to implement a gradual programme of (education for) sustainable development and in so doing, help students to develop the knowledge, skills and motivation they need to address and tackle the challenges of the world around them.

More specifically, the programme aims to:

1.  Promote situational, real-life and outdoor learning, to spur sustainable practices in and outside school
2.  Encourage young people to play a proactive role in the society
3.  Propose an inclusive method that brings the school community together around a common purpose
4.  Improve the ecological footprint and the sustainability performance of the school

By instilling a sense of responsibility and empowering students, the programme seeks to contribute to developing a generation of self-confident, environmentally conscious “global citizens”. By learning how to act within their school today, these students become the leaders of tomorrow.

In addition, Eco-Schools delivers holistically on the four pillars of education: learning to know (including transversal thinking), learning to be (self-reflection and emotional competencies), learning to do and learning to live together. It supports students in the acquisition of so-called 21st century skills such as critical and systemic thinking, creativity, collaboration and responsibility.

Implementation

Crook Log has an Eco Committee made up of two pupils from each class, who will meet at least once every half term.  Minutes will be displayed on the Eco notice board, which is situated outside Mrs Hollidge’s office and on the school website.

The Eco Committee need to update their class on the progress made.  Older children can support younger classes.

An Environmental Review will be completed by members of the Eco Committee covering all ten Eco-Topics, at the beginning of each year.  The findings will be displayed on the Eco notice board (physical and digital).

The Eco Warriors will produce an Action Plan influenced by their Eco Review.  This will contain projects and actions for three of the ten Eco-Schools topics.

Evidence of environmental curriculum links (ideally pupil’s work) will be  displayed on the Eco-Board (physical and digital).

The Eco-Committee will monitor and evaluate the success of projects in their Action Plan for their three chosen topic areas.

The school will have an Eco-Code, created by pupils, which reflects your current Eco-Schools Action Plan (including the three topics you have been working on).

Impact

The Eco–Schools programme benefits pupils by:

Engaging them in important environmental issues.

Demonstrating to pupils that environmental actions can be enjoyable, social and rewarding.

Teaching responsibility and generates a sense of community.

Developing the skills and knowledge young people need to play an active role in protecting their environment now and throughout their lifetimes.

Empowering students with the belief that they can have a positive impact on our planet.

Enabling Crook Log school to be green their entire curriculum.