Eco-Schools Recognised for Outstanding Achievements
Three Eco-Schools Awards have been allocated - Eco-Committee of the Year, Eco-Schools Coordinator of the Year and Climate Action Project of the Year.
Nominations were invited from members of the public, parents, educators and Parent Councils across Scotland. All nominees were from schools which proudly fly the Green Flag – the top accolade in the international Eco-Schools programme which recognises the achievements and commitment of the whole school to Learning for Sustainability.
The Eco-Committee of the Year Award recognises a pupil group that made a real difference to the environment or their community through their Eco-Schools work.
The winner for 2023 is St Patrick's Primary and Nursery School, whose Eco-Committee is led solely by young people and have been successful in developing awareness of environmental challenges in their own community and the wider world with projects including a sustainable fashion shop and workshops highlighting how air pollution from traffic is a pressing threat to health.
The Eco-Coordinator of the Year Award recognises someone who believes that change is possible no matter what, and who keeps the Eco-Schools spirit alive in your school.
This year's recipient is Leah Belford from Wallace Hall Academy. Leah is responsible for leading Eco-Committees in the Primary, Junior Academy and Senior Academy and has recently helped the school renew its Green Flag Award for the fourth time. She has lead numerous projects including: a school garden and orchard, whole school recycling project, litter picking, Dandelion Growing Project, pupil trips to COP26, clothes swaps, and tree planting.
The Climate Action Project of the Year Award recognises an outstanding pupil-led project taking action on climate change.
This year's winner is Crawforddyke Primary School and their campaign to save Jock's Burn in partnership with the Clydeside Ranger Service. The project started with community litter picks, which led to a Litter Protest March by P1, leading to continued litter picks with groups of volunteers, a clear-up by local youth groups and the area being awarded Nature Reserve Status. A feature film was made as a result, and pupils now use this area regularly for outdoor learning in partnership with the Nursery next door.
Each winner will receive a sustainably crafted trophy and the Eco-Committee of the Year and Climate Action Project of the Year award recipients will share their work at our Meet & Greet session on 31st May, and at our Eco-Schools Celebration week from 5 to 9 May.
The Eco-Schools Awards will be an annual event, with nominations opening again in Spring 2024.
23 May 2023
