Wales Primary SchoolEco-Board
' I think it's important to look after our world even if it's just a small part like our school.'
(Quote from Wales Primary pupil)
At Wales Primary we care deeply about environmental issues and have a strong desire to protect our planet. However, environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity-loss, or plastic pollution are huge global issues and the thought of tackling them can be intimidating and overwhelming.
This year we have undertaken the Eco- School's programme which provides a framework to empower children to make a difference in their school, local community and beyond and allow this work to be recognised through achievement of Green Flag accreditation.
Breaking down large environmental issues into more manageable themes has enabled us to make environmental changes in school and our everyday lives.
Our school council has taken on Eco-Committee responsibilities carrying out an eco-review and developing an action plan to make our school more environmentally friendly through achievable actions. The Eco-Council have been advocates for change, informing staff and pupils throughout school.
We have focused on three areas in school where we feel we can make achievable impact.
School Grounds
Our aim is to encourage wildlife and develop pupil's knowledge of the eco-system.
All pupils have been involved in 'Plant Wales' planting bulbs and seeds in the school grounds
'Living Wall' planters have been created from unwanted pallets
Pupils have carried out litter picking within the school grounds to improve the environment and raise awareness of the detrimental effects of littering
We have worked with Sheffield Wildlife Trust investigating wildlife in our school grounds
Pupils have produced stunning art as part of the Rotherham Picture This! Rewilding Art Project
Energy
Our aim is to increase the awareness of energy usage in school and reduce consumption
Pupils have produced posters to remind staff to turn off lights at the end of the day
Schedules and times of heating and light programming in school have been assessed and amended
Waste
Our aim is to recycle most of the rubbish thrown away in school
In conjunction with the introduction of paper collections for schools by RMBC we now have a recycle bin for paper in every classroom. This has resulted in our general waste being reduced by one third, 1100L per week!
We recycle batteries
We participated in 'The Plastic Count' 11th - 17th March 2024, a home and school investigation into UK household plastic waste
We have carried out community litter picks working with RMBC Love My Street's
Pupils have written to their MP about waste and the impact on the environment
We make surplus uniform available to parents and the uniform bank
How to get involved:
Bring in your household batteries to the school office for recycling
Donations of plants, seeds, plant pots are always welcome
Aim to reduce plastic in packed lunches
w/c 15th July 2024 - Look out for surplus uniform available outside the school hall this week
Find more information from the following links
https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/