Gillotts awarded eco-schools flag

A school in Henley has been presented with a flag to mark the school’s commitment to sustainable development.

Gillotts School in Henley now flies the green Eco-Schools flag outside of its entrance in recognition of its ongoing environmental education work.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised symbol for environmental excellence and is part of a scheme run by Keep Britain Tidy to encourage environmental action.

To become an Eco-School the secondary school in Gillotts Lane was required to demonstrate it had a framework in place to facilitate long-term improvement of sustainable development practices within the school as well as the education of such work.

The school's student-led eco committee which has been working towards obtaining the award since last May has chosen three pathways to improve on and lower the school’s carbon footprint.

This year the students have chosen: biodiversity on the school's grounds, global citizen and energy awareness.

Alison Michael who coordinates the school’s Eco Committee said it was great to see the student’s hard work being recognised.

Mrs Michael who teaches Chemistry said: “It's a great way to give schools an incentive and acknowledge all the changes they are making.

"[The students] were very pleased because they have worked so hard and it's a big commitment. I think it's an amazing scheme.

“This year it's been a little harder getting people engaged outside of the committee and getting more people on board, but the students are working really hard and it's great to show the school is interested in it.”

As part of teh award the Eco Committee is required to meet every term to work on a long-term action plan for the school.

Mrs Michael said: “They have chosen the school grounds, which we are very proud of but are not brilliant for nature and there is more we could do.

“They are also focussing on being global citizens and how our lifestyles affect others around the globe particularly to do with fair trade. I thought it’s quite mature that they know that our life here comes at a cost to others.

“And finally, energy awareness. We have gas here and the students said in winter they can see it bellowing steam. They have collected data from the school site team and want to look into complete replacing it.”

As part of the award the school’s eco committee had to engage other students and staff members in sustainable development practices.

Mrs Michael said: “As part of it we have to involve other students and we have been encouraging people to grow thing. Last year it was tomato plants and this year it has been calendulas which are a great pollinator.

“Anyone can grow plants. The eco club has planted lots of lavender as well.”

Mrs Michael said that the school was looking forward to big green week in June and the school’s eco committee would be surveying how many students travel to school on bike, on foot or in electric vehicles.

To find out more about the award go to: www.eco-schools.org.uk

ENDS

2404464-7: Alison Michael and Headteacher Catherine Darnton with the flag which flies by the school’s entrance.