Page 4 - GA TEST
P. 4
Eco-Schools Progression “The Eco schools programme is hugely beneficial and important for schools to take on.
Our pupils always feel empowered having a voice and making positive changes for our
school and the wider world. As the Eco coordinator it has been a task but a pleasure to
Outputs Target Total show off the huge range of work and projects that have been undertaken across the key
Number of registered Eco-Schools progressing one award level (not 100 138 stages through our topics and as a whole school. Even with lock downs affecting us this
including platinum renewals) year the Eco-committee were stronger than ever with their targets and involvement.
Number of green flag assessments carried out and action plans 280 334 Using Classroom Dojo as a portal to pupils and parents has shone a huge window on all
produced, including platinum renewals the Eco work that Corneli Primary achieves every year. This year, staff and whole school
awareness of projects and competitions was our strength.”
This year it has been encouraging - Danielle Harris, teacher, Corneli Primary School
to see schools re-engaging with
Eco-Schools after the difficult
period they have been through. We
have seen schools re-establishing
Eco-Committees, conducting
Environmental Reviews, planning
actions and all the important aspects “Developing Eco-Schools in the way we have done this year has been more impactful
of being an Eco-School. It is pleasing than ever before. Every child and adult across the school is now an integral part of our
to see the number of schools starting Eco development programme, resulting in an unprecedented level of engagement and
to progress and move on award levels enthusiasm. Each class has been able to focus on one Eco-Schools area during the year,
again. leading to a far greater depth of knowledge and understanding. The learning reflects so
many aspects of the Four Purposes and particularly demonstrates the vision and aspiration
However, we are realising with the of Ethical, Informed Citizens. Our vision is to continue to develop Eco-Schools in this way,
impacts of Covid still being felt, that allowing every child to learn about, understand and action every area of the Eco-Schools
many schools need time and our topics in depth during their Primary School career. ”
support to get back to operating as bronze and silver awards) they are on a 2-year - Samantha King, Headteacher, Upper Rhymney Primary School
they did before the pandemic. cycle of renewal. The Education Team supports
schools to progress and maintain their awards
We have taken a blended approach to assessing in several ways including teacher and pupil
schools for most of this year. Overall, if a workshops, developing resources, facilitating
school is being assessed for their first flag, support sessions, networking, and running
their platinum award or they are identified national events. This has been a crucial element During the past year we have seen
as needing additional support then we have of our work this year, helping schools to avoid more primary schools adopt a whole
looked to visit in person. For schools that are losing their flag due to not renewing in time. school approach to the programme,
renewing at second or third flag award level we We have taken a flexible approach to allow whereby each class takes an Eco-
have looked to do the visit online but given clear extensions to support getting back on track after Schools topic, and carries out
guidelines on what we will need to see and who all the upheavals due to the pandemic. work and practical actions based
we would like to speak to. There is flexibility in on those topics as part of a cross
this approach as deemed appropriate by the The number of registered Eco-Schools curricular approach. This approach
Education Officer and the school but overall, it progressing one level this year is 138, which is helps support the integration of
has worked well this year. really pleasing (not including platinum award the Curriculum, as well as fully
renewals) . embedding the Eco-Schools process
As a reminder, once schools register on the into school life.
Eco-Schools programme, they are challenged Including platinum renewals, we have
to progress though the award stages. When conducted 334 assessments this year.
schools receive their first Green Flag (after
4 5
