We have been celebrating the 30th anniversary of Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment with visits to schools across Scotland. With our celebration week beginning today, our Education and Learning Officer Nicola Davidson reflects on the fun we've had visiting these amazing schools who have the environment at the heart of everything they do.
In 1994 the Eco-Schools programme was launched in the UK, Denmark and Germany, and one year later the first Green Flag Award in Scotland was awarded to Lunnasting Primary School in Shetland. Thirty years on, Eco-Schools is now one of the largest sustainable schools programmes in the world – with children engaged in protecting our planet in 101 countries globally thanks to the coordination of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE). In Scotland the Eco-Schools programme is bigger than ever too, with almost 900 schools in Scotland flying the prestigious Green Flag.
We are proud to have been one of the first countries (and organisations) to help develop and shape Eco-Schools, and to be one of the first to present 2,000 Green Flags. Globally the organisations that deliver Eco-Schools across the world have been celebrating 30 years of Eco-Schools. Here in Scotland, our Education team – and a handful of other #TeamKSB members and Charity Trustees – have been on a tour of our country, visiting schools which have achieved 10 consecutive Green Flag Awards, or have received a special commendation from us for going the extra mile with their Eco-Schools journey.
Around 10 years ago we moved from visiting schools to assess their Green Flag Awards to desk-based assessments. Whilst this has been brilliant for keeping our carbon footprint low, the downside is that we get to spend less time with pupils and educators in person. This has made our Eco-Schools 30th birthday tour incredibly valuable as we have been able to talk to pupils directly and see some of the work that is happening on the ground.
At each visit we have seen how Eco-Schools is supporting children and young people to learn about their environment and empowering them to make changes for themselves and the natural world. Every child has the right to a clean, healthy environment and they have the right to an education that respects this right. The Scottish Government’s Target 2030 Action Plan has set out how we can move forward to ensure all children and young people realise these rights and Eco-Schools is a key part of this.
For #TeamKSB it has been great to get out of the office and a huge pleasure to visit schools:
I really enjoyed the chance to speak to pupils in person about their projects. They're so proud of what they've accomplished, and it was lovely to spend time with them hearing their stories. We encourage schools to measure the results of their projects like energy savings, litter collected and active travel surveys, but what is much less measurable is the confidence that young people gain when they successfully plan environmental projects. It's this confidence and optimism that make me hopeful for the future and proud of what we do.
Catriona Rae, Senior Education and Learning Officer
It’s been so much fun to participate in a handful of our Eco-Schools celebration visits. When I think back to my own days at primary school I don’t remember too much of an emphasis on environmental action. To see so many young people not only take part but be truly passionate and knowledgeable about Eco-Schools is so inspiring.
Ciaran Vance, Communications Officer
My favourite part of the visits has been listening to pupils sharing their hard work and achievements. It has been truly wonderful to see their enthusiasm for looking after our environment. I think that one of the best parts of Eco-Schools is how it encourages outdoor learning and a connection to our environment, so I was really excited to see the fantastic outdoor learning space at Newfield Primary & Nursery School in Stonehouse and to take part in some tree planting with pupils at St Andrew's RC Primary School in Gorebridge.
The visits have shown me that small things can really make a difference, such as the community space created by Treetop Family Nurture Centre in Rosyth, which supports several community groups, and the anti-littering videos made by pupils at Currie Community High School that are a creative way to encourage responsible behaviour.
I have been left with a strong sense of hope for the future, especially from talking to high school pupils who are taking things into their own hands, like pupils from Braes High School who organised their own COP event, inviting members of their local council to agree a mandate for action. I hope Eco-Schools can continue to provide opportunities for such amazing young people to take action.
During our tour of Eco-Schools across Scotland we’ve been lucky to see first-hand some of the amazing work our country’s young people are doing as part of the programme. Some of the highlights for me, and the team, have included:
A visit to Braes High School in Falkirk, where the pupils achieved a commendation for Climate Action, in part for working with other high schools in Falkirk to set up their own COP, which they invited local councillors to and agreed a mandate for action, showing how much power young people can have when they work together.
Our Chief Executive Barry Fisher and I visited Newfield Primary & Nursery School and learnt about how pupils have been encouraged to participate in outdoor learning with a fantastic outdoor learning space and easy to use resources. They have created lots of spaces for wildlife in their grounds and are growing lots of interesting food.
Laura Horn, Newfield’s headteacher, said: “Ever since our first flag in 2003 we have ensured Eco work is at the heart of our curriculum. A huge thanks to all the pupils who have been part of all our Eco Committees throughout the 30 years alongside current and former staff who have all contributed to this.”
Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment are part of Climate Action Schools, our framework of education initiatives to support Scotland’s educators, young people and children to progress Learning for Sustainability and climate change education.
Our Climate Action Schools programme, funded by the Scottish Government, provides a positive driver and demonstrator for schools towards achieving Target 2030.
