The Eco-Schools Green Flag is an international accreditation that recognises efforts to raise environmental awareness amongst young people, whilst taking action to make their school more sustainable.
Avonbourne Academies has now retained its status as an accredited Eco-School, following their achievement last year.
The Eco-Schools programme was established in 1994 and is now delivered in more than 70 countries across the globe. The programme prompts young people to explore a variety of environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Pupils are then empowered to plan and deliver environmental actions in their school, local community, and beyond.
Since Avonbourne began working towards an Eco-Schools Green Flag during 2021, achievements have included planting 60 hedges, 15 saplings and introducing a recycling scheme across the site.
And this year, pupils at Avonbourne Academies have built on these strong foundations, collaborating with Shayla Donnelly to work on three Eco-Schools topics: school grounds, waste and biodiversity. They then planned a variety of projects including litter picks throughout the year on school grounds and in our surrounding community areas; the implementation of a recycled car tyre garden that is still rolling into place; the continued upkeep of school-wide classroom recycling with a community feeling during student-led Wednesday morning recycling bin emptying; pen recycling in nearly every classroom – that’s almost 90; charity partnership to track our school’s avian biodiversity; and planting copious local flora seeds throughout the Spring and Summer.
Assistant Principal, Laura Tsabet, said, ‘We are incredibly proud to be awarded Distinction two years in a row. The school’s Eco Committee is made up of a wonderfully committed group of students, and their efforts this year to make the school more sustainable exemplify many of our school’s REACH values’.
Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools Green Flag award is an internationally recognised symbol of high environmental standards. The pupils and school
staff that earn the award deserve immense credit for their hard work, determination, and creativity. Their passion for protecting our planet is an inspiration to us all. ”
To learn more about Eco-Schools head to https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/