Programmes for Schools across Lancashire

ECO- Schools Programme

Background

The Eco-schools programme is run by Encams and involves schools implementing a comprehensive environmental management system that allows teachers and pupils to improve environmental performance whilst also promoting awareness. It does so in a way that links to many curriculum areas and involves a whole school approach by including pupils, staff, Governors, parents and the community in the process. This helps to encourage teamwork and develop a shared understanding of what it takes to run a school in a way that respects and enhances the environment.

It is also an award scheme, ultimately resulting in the prestigious Green Flag that will raise the profile of the school in the local community. The scheme therefore provides many benefits including greater awareness and respect for the environment, cash savings on bills and better links with the local community. Full benefits of the programme to schools include:-

An opportunity to make environmental issues a part of the life of the school and increase knowledge on environmental matters
An opportunity to help develop young peoples decision-making skills
Provision of curriculum materials and ideas for projects and events
Satisfaction amongst pupils, teachers and parents that they are helping to protect and improve the environment
Access to a network of support agencies
Links with other schools in the UK and Europe
An opportunity to gain a prestigious award
Opportunities for local and national publicity
Potential for financial savings

Process

The Eco schools process incorporates seven key elements and this structure is intended to make sure that there is a continuous momentum towards setting targets and working to achieve them. The 7 elements to the scheme are as follows:-

The development of an eco committee
An environmental review
The development of an Action Plan
The monitoring of action and evaluation of progress
Linking the project to the curriculum
Involving the whole school and the wider community
Developing an Eco-code – the schools mission statement and commitment to improving the schools environmental performance.

There are three levels of awards that can be applied for depending on what level of the programme has been completed. These are the bronze, silver and the green flag award. Before applying for an award your school must have gone some way towards implementing all seven elements stated above. The scheme aims to empower the pupils and get them involved in the process.

The Eco-schools programme therefore involves three main stages:

1. Implementing the seven elements of the programme
2. Applying for one of the 3 eco-schools awards – depending on how much has been achieved and
3. Renewing the award every two years

There are seven Eco-schools topics in which schools can develop projects. These are litter, waste minimisation, energy, water, transport, healthy living, school grounds and school grounds. It is expected that some of these topics, although not all will be covered in depth.

To help your school through the process Encams provide a handbook, which contains useful information and guidance and will visit your school.
Eco- schools in Lancashire

In Lancashire there are currently 90 schools signed up to the Eco-schools scheme but so far only 9 currently have the Green flag award (2 more had achieved the Green flag but have not renewed the award for more than 2 years) The Green Flag schools are

Abbey Village Primary School, Chorley
Bleasdale C of E School, PRESTON
Brabins endowed Primary School,PRESTON
Cardinal Allen School, FLEETWOOD
Delph Side County Primary, SKELMERSDALLE
Glenburn High School, SKELMERSDALE
St Mary’s RC Primary School, ACCRINGTON
St Michaels on Wyre CE Primary School, PRESTON
Wellfield High School, LEYLAND

Of the other registered schools 30 have achieved the bronze level award and 11 have either progressed to, or achieved at first assessment, the silver award.

See the Eco-schools website for more information www.eco-schools.org.uk*. Here as well as details of the programme you will find links to the curriculum, a range of interactive games, resources and activities and a chat room.

Education for a Greener Future Programme

Education for a Greener Future (EGF) is a partnership between Lancashire County Council, the Wildlife Trust and Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool Councils. The programme provides an educational service to schools and others in Lancashire, supporting Lancashire’s Municipal Waste Strategy and raising awareness of waste issues and solutions through a range of means. It facilitates the Schools Waste Action Club Programme, runs training events and develops campaigns.

The Waste Action Club follows the model that was developed by Waste watch. It consists of an introductory session (either as an assembly or as a classroom presentation) and a survey of the waste produced by the school. The information gained is then used by the children to develop an action plan to minimise the waste produced. Schools then carry out activities that help reinforce the waste minimisation message e.g. paper making or compost activities. Finally a second waste survey is produced to assess the impact of the of the action plan on the waste produced by the school

The EGF Project team has provided excellent support to schools who are altering their waste management practices to make them more sustainable. There have been 2 main activities that have been implemented at schools through the programme, these being the establishment of composting facilities and paper recycling schemes. Other activities that the team help with include paper making and producing mosaics from waste.

Making Ground Programme

The Making Ground initiative is run by the Projects and Programmes team within the Environment Directorate at Lancashire County Council. It aims to help schools enhance their grounds as a resource, for educational purposes for rest and relaxation and for sporting and play activities. It provides schools with help and advice on making the improvements through detailing 10 steps that should be followed from step 1, establishing a steering group involving the whole school community through to step 10 carrying out the improvement works.

To find out more about Making Ground please visit the website.

Go to the Lancashire Environmental Education Directory for more information.

( * External link see terms)