Rights Links: Article 12 – Respect for the Views of the Child; Article 15 – Freedom of Association; Article 24 – Health and Health Services; Article 29 – Goals of Education
The intention of participating in the Eco-Schools programme is to help us to embark on a meaningful path towards improving the environment in both the school and the local community, while at the same time having a life-long positive impact on the lives of our children and their families.
Sydenham Primary School has achieved the Green Flag award three times for our work on improving the school environment.
The Eco-Schools programme provides an opportunity that empowers pupils at Sydenham Primary School to lead change within our school and have a positive impact on the wider community. Pupils of all ages and abilities work together to develop their knowledge and environmental awareness. We have found evidence of positive impacts on our pupils, including increased confidence, development of leadership skills, improved well-being and behaviour, and greater motivation.
As well as the pupil benefits, which have a hugely positive effect on the whole school community, our school has also benefitted by reducing our environmental impact. We now consume less water and energy, and produce less waste - in turn, saving money that is allocated elsewhere in school.
The Eco-Schools programme consists of three structural elements - The Seven Step Framework, the Eco-Schools Topics, and the Assessment for the international Green Flag Award.
Eco-Schools Topics:
The Eco-Schools topics include: marine, biodiversity, energy, litter, global citizenship, healthy living, school grounds, transport, waste and water.
The Seven-Step Programme:
Step 1: Eco-Committee
Step 2: Environmental Review
Step 3: Action Plan
Step 4: Curriculum Links
Step 5: Informing and Involving
Step 6: Monitoring and Evaluation
Step 7: Eco-Code