Tracy Brennan, Environment Support Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council describes how the local authority has raised awareness of and supported Eco-Schools in her area.
We held an Eco-Schools Showcase in June 2008 at the Kings Hall, Civic Centre, Stoke-on-Trent.
The event was aimed at pupils, teachers and local service providers, to raise awareness of the Eco-Schools programme by:
• Encouraging schools to get involved with the scheme
• Providing support, guidance and networking opportunities
• Linking the programme into our own operations to ensure a ‘joined up’ approach
There was a morning and an afternoon session, to allow as many schools as possible to attend.
Presentations
At each session there were presentations from Green Flag schools, who gave an insight into the projects and initiatives that helped them to gain their awards:
• Weston Coyney Junior School
• Sandon Business and Enterprise College
We were fortunate in having representation from Eco-Schools. Emma Jones gave us an inspirational speech, and was on hand during the day to answer questions about the Eco-Schools programme.
At the showcase we also celebrated the schools’ achievements, with formal presentations of awards by the Lord Mayor.
Achievements
At the start of the 2007/08 academic year 41 schools were registered with Eco-Schools. By the end of the academic year, 26 more schools had signed up, making a grand total of 67, ranking Stoke-on-Trent in 18th position nationally in the Eco-Schools registration table
During this year:
• 16 schools achieved the bronze award
• 5 schools achieved the silver award
• 1 school renewed their Green Flag status
Networking
We recognise that student involvement is a key part of the Eco-Schools programme. Because they take the lead on improving their school environment by making sustainable changes to its operation. So it was very important to provide a showcase for local service providers to engage and interact with the schools.
20 exhibitors took this opportunity to offer their support and expertise, to help schools either start or further their journey towards a Green Flag. They each provided a ‘taste’ of how schools could get involved and how they could work together to raise awareness, on themes such as energy efficiency, healthy living and waste.
As a result of this event, Stoke-on-Trent City Council achieved a Government Business Award for Environmental Innovation. So thanks go out to everyone involved with the 2008 Eco-Schools Showcase, without them, it wouldn’t have been the success that it was.
Neil Dawson, Governor of Haywood High School, who signed up on the day said, "I attended your Eco-Schools Showcase and thought it impressive, particularly the enthusiasm from the children. We we have already got several recruits for our eco committee within the school."
Cllr Joy Garner, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said, “Schools are at the heart of our communities and a shining example of good practice. They also help influence what happens in the wider community and with care for the environment. It’s encouraging to see our young people take such an active interest in green issues.”
Future Plans
We've all got choices and the majority of schools in Stoke-on-Trent have now chosen to get involved with Eco-Schools. They inspire us all to do our bit, to reduce our own carbon footprint and become more environmentally aware. So, we’re doing it all over again on, Wednesday 15 July 2009 at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent.
For more information contact tracy.brennan@stoke.gov.uk
| Green Flag: | 1,179 |
| Silver: | 3,922 |
| Bronze: | 4,642 |
