Eco – Schools Scotland

What is the Eco-Schools programme? International initiative Encourages whole-school action for the environment Learning resource Environmental management tool Recognised award scheme

The 9 Eco-Schools topics Litter Waste minimisation Energy Water Transport Health and Well Being School grounds Biodiversity Sustaining Our World

Key features of an Eco-Schools programme Environmental Review Eco Code Action Plan Eco Committee Monitoring action & Evaluating Progress Involve whole school and community Link to the Curriculum

Eco Committee A mixed group of adults and pupils Pupils volunteer and are selected by peers Adults could include teachers, support staff, parents and co-opted adults for specific tasks Meets at least twice per term Pupils share minute-taking responsibility Pupil reps report back to rest of school Reports to Parent Forum and local community Minutes displayed on school Eco noticeboard

Environmental review Must be carried out annually Must review all 9 topics As many pupils as possible should participate Ensures that no significant areas are overlooked Helps pupils and the rest of the school community understand the environmental impacts across all 9 topics Provides information to prioritise the action to be taken Results displayed on school Eco noticeboard

Action Plan Developed using results of environmental review Lists a number of agreed environmental objectives Contains SMART targets Explicitly illustrates cost implications, links to the curriculum and arrangements for monitoring and evaluating Prioritises into short, medium and long term targets – no need to tackle all aspects at once! Focus on a commitment to improve rather than environmental perfection Pupils lead some action areas

Monitoring action and evaluating progress Should be ongoing and built into entire process Continuous monitoring maintains interest Helps to plan any necessary changes to action plan and provides information to celebrate success Range of possible methods to monitor and record Pupil involvement is key Eco committee reviews and evaluates progress and analyses data collected Inform whole school community of progress and changes including displaying on Eco noticeboard

Linking to the curriculum Eco-schools should not be regarded as an addition to existing work. Links to the 3-18 curriculum and addresses cross-curricular issues such as enterprise, citizenship, health and well being and sustainable development education Ideal vehicle for developing in pupils the 4 Capacities of A Curriculum for Excellence. Links to all ages and stages

Involving the whole school and wider community Link between home and school Newsletters and articles in local press Involvement of community organisations Eco-School notice board and displays in local community Enterprise and business links Assemblies and special events Album of activities is maintained Eco Day/Week of action

The Eco Code All members of the school community should contribute to the school’s Eco-Code Eco committee draws up code relevant to action plan and based on pupil suggestions Can take several forms – phrases, list, poem, song Memorable and familiar for everyone, brightly illustrated It should be prominently displayed on noticeboard, school website and in all classes All pupils and staff should be familiar with it Reviewed annually for relevancy

Eco-Schools Awards Bronze award is self-assessed Silver award is self-assessed Green Flag - assessed by two external assessors and must be renewed every two years

Information and support Schools’ Environmental Projects Group (Contact details on North Ayrshire website) www.learning-north- ayrshire.com/eco/home.htm North Ayrshire website www.ecoschoolsscotland.org National website