1. Eco – Schools Scotland

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Information and support
Schools’ Environmental Projects Group (Contact details on North Ayrshire website)
ayrshire.com/eco/home.htm North Ayrshire website
National website