This academic year, students at Woodhouse Primary have once again received international accreditation for their exceptional work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness amongst their peers.

The Eco-Schools programme, established in 1994, is now implemented in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2023-24, more than 1.4 million pupils attended an Eco-School in England. The programme follows a tried-and-trusted seven-step framework, that encourages young people to explore a variety of environmental issues before spearheading environmental action in their school and local community.

Since Woodhouse first engaged with the Eco-Schools’ programme in 2023, accomplishments have included: joining in with different challenges like ‘Cut your Carbon’, BUPA healthy city challenge and the WOW Walk to School badge design competition. We are pleased to say that Khaleelah from year 1 was chosen as the healthy city winner.

This year pupils impressively built on these achievements by focusing on 3 key issues: litter, school grounds and biodiversity. We have a really keen eco team who are passionate about their eco work as well a very keen gardening club. The gardening club have been working with Roots to Fruits to improve the school garden areas. They also took part in the RHS Wheelbarrow competition and were invited to attend the Gardeners World show at the NEC to see all the entries. The school community has taken part in the WOW Walk to School challenge with many children embracing active transport options.

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 head to www.eco-schools.org.uk  .