St Mary's striving towards a sustainable future
At St Mary's, sustainable principles are important in our school life and integrated across the curriculum. We believe that if children learn the importance of caring for the environment, they will feel responsible for their indoor and outdoor surroundings and work together to make positive environmental changes.
We are currently actively participating in the Eco-Schools international award programme. With the project's guidance we have already addressed a variety of environmental issues and are proud to have received our bronze certificate. This celebrates the hard work the entire school community has already put into creating a sustainable environment.
Schemes include:
- A paper recycling scheme
- Each child has a reusable water bottle
- RAGTEX collect any quality used clothes, shoes, household linen and toys to be exported around the world
- Pupils are keen to reduce the amount of electricity, water and paper used, and posters remind all of the need to turn lights and computers off when not in use, to turn the taps off after washing hands and use paper towels sparingly
- Pupils have enjoyed growing their own vegetables and considering how to attract wildlife into the grounds
- Various flowering plants, bird feeders and areas around the school provide habitats for minibeasts
St Mary's also has an Eco-Committee; a team of Key Stage 2 pupils, teachers and parents. This committee is responsible for discussing a plan of action to achieve environmental goals and ensuring this is shared with everyone and implemented. One pupil in each class in Reception and Key Stage 1 has been elected to be an Eco-Star. Their role is to support the Eco-Committee with specific tasks at the Lower School Site. With the help of everyone who forms our school community, we are hoping to achieve our silver certificate this academic year and make advancements towards the prestigious green flag award.