St Andrews Prep recieves international Eco Award
Pupils at St Andrew’s Prep have received international accreditation for their exceptional work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness amongst their peers.
The accolade was achieved by a pupil-led Eco-Committee which was established to spearhead the school’s environmental initiatives, conduct a thorough review of the school environment and curriculum, and develop a year-long plan of action.
The pupils’ main focus of ‘buy less new, re-use and repair more’ drove discussions and the idea to design a new sensory garden for the school site. The garden will be created using reclaimed and recycled materials and will serve as a vibrant, interactive space for all to enjoy, with a strong focus on sustainability. The garden creation will feature an array of plants that mirror the rich biodiversity of the nearby South Downs National Park, offering a unique opportunity to experience and learn about local flora and fauna. The project was thoughtfully selected to increase environmental awareness, bolster the school’s sustainability and make meaningful contributions to global conservation efforts as well as create a collaborative space for all year groups. Further eco-initiatives include embedding sustainability and eco-initiatives into the school’s curriculum and increasing the school’s impact on the environment by reduced paper use, encouraging litter picks and creating new habitats in the school’s Woodland classroom.
Speaking about the school’s achievement, Ms Miles-Lewis, Teacher of Humanities, said “We are confident that this project will enhance our school grounds in addition to providing an educational resource and a serene space for reflection and exploration. Our sensory garden will be a living example of our commitment to enhancing our natural environmental here at St Andrew’s Prep.”
Headmaster Tom Gregory said, “I am immensely proud of the pupils in our Eco-Committee. Alongside our committed staff, they have created a thought-provoking space and highlighted their passion for promoting sustainability and the environment, within our school and beyond.”
Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said, “The Eco-Schools’ Green Flag is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and high standard of sustainable practice. Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication toward protecting our planet. Every day, they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable, place.”
To learn more about Eco-Schools click here www.eco-schools.org.uk
