Pupils at Greenbank Preparatory School Awarded a Coveted Eco-Schools Green Flag
In July 2022 Greenbank Preparatory School was awarded the highest accolade of an Eco–Schools Green Flag with Distinction. This international accreditation recognises the amazing work of pupils and staff in making Greenbank more environmentally friendly and in raising eco-awareness within the school community.
Pupils at Greenbank initially collaborated with the Eco-Coordinator, Mrs. Laura Bradbury, to conduct a wide-ranging environmental audit. This included a review of the school’s recycling practices, energy usage, the biodiversity of the school’s grounds and the coverage of environmental themes within the classroom. Building on their findings, the school’s active Eco Council, comprising pupils, parents and staff, planned a year of activities that would up the school’s green credentials.
Activities included participating in national campaigns throughout the year, such as the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch, Switch Off Fortnight and World Earth Day. In September, Great Big Green Week, saw all pupils participating in lessons raising awareness of climate change and considering sustainable solutions. In the summer term, pupils also helped to plant 100 saplings of varied species, donated by Woodland Trust, further increasing the biodiversity of the school grounds, and extending the Forest School site.
A pupil member of the Eco-Council commented that it was “brilliant” to have achieved the award and remarked that they were particularly pleased with the reduction in the school’s electricity usage achieved through Switch Off Fortnight. They also recognised the value of the school’s Eco Garden as a chill-out zone, as well as providing produce for the school kitchen and a location to display artwork created from waste plastics.
Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, believes that: “Earning an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award takes passion, commitment, and a desire to make a difference. Pupils should be very proud.”
