What is Eco-Schools?

Welcome to our guide on what our Eco-Schools program is all about, and what you need to achieve your green flag award.

Eco-Schools is an international network of schools working to make a positive difference to the environment and their communities. By taking part in Eco-Schools, you are joining children and young people across the world to make a difference to environmental issues.

In Scotland, Eco-Schools is funded by the Scottish government, and it is completely free, with nearly 1,000 schools, nurseries, and after school clubs already actively taking part.

Successful schools receive a green flag award, including your very own green flag, like this one. So, how can you achieve a green flag award?

You need to follow the seven elements of Eco-Schools to get your green flag. There is lots of flexibility in how you meet the elements, so you can adapt them to your setting. Let's take a look at what you need to do for each element.

Step one: Set up Your Eco-Committee. Eco-Schools is a pupil-led program. Your Eco-Committee's job is to lead your Eco-Schools work, making sure all voices are heard and spreading the word about what they are doing.

Your Eco-Committee can be as big or small as you want. You can include pupils, staff, and community members.

Step two: Carry out an Environmental Review. The Environmental Review will help you find out what your school is doing that is good for the environment, and what you could improve. We have templates to help you do this.

We have divided up environmental issues you might want to work on into 11 topics. Part of your Environmental Review is to decide which topics you want to work on. One of your topics must be climate action, and you then need to choose at least two other topics.

Once you've completed your Environmental Review and chosen your topics, it's time to move on to Step three: Create an Action Plan. Remember that one of your topics must be climate action.

For each topic, think about what you would like to change or improve. Then think about how you would like it to be instead—what are you aiming for?

Next, think about how you can make this happen—what actions can you take to make a difference?

Finally, think about how you will know if what you have done has worked—what could you measure or monitor to check you are making progress?

You need to do at least one litter pick as part of your Eco-Schools actions, so don't forget to include this in your action plan.

Now you have your action plan, it's time to carry out your actions and make your school more environmentally friendly. Make sure you complete Step four: Measure and Monitor your progress as you complete your actions. Reflect on whether you have achieved your aims, celebrate your successes, and think about what you would do differently next time.

Step five is Link to the Curriculum. You will learn a lot by taking part in Eco-Schools. Keep a note of what you are learning as you go, and how this links to different subjects.

Step six is Connect with your Community. It is important that you share your Eco-Schools work with lots of different people. Your whole school should be involved, as well as members of your local community. Involving your community can take place in person and online. It's a great way to create partnerships and make new friends.

Step seven is Create an Eco-Code, a mission statement that represents your environmental values.

Once you've completed the seven elements, you can submit an application via our online application system. If you are successful, you will be rewarded with your very own green flag.

To help support you in your Eco-Schools work, we have online training sessions for pupils and for educators. There's also lots more information on our website, including videos and templates to help you achieve your green flag award.

If you want to join us in celebrating your Eco-Schools work, we have an annual Eco-Schools celebration event in June and special awards to recognise Eco-Schools across the country who have gone the extra mile to protect our environment.

Thank you for listening, we wish you well on your Eco-Schools journey.