Schools' Environment Award

The Schools' Environment Award was launched by the Borough of Poole in Autumn 2007.

The aim of the Award is to raise awareness in schools on the importance of:

• environmental and cleanliness issues, as well as
• recycling and waste minimisation
• energy usage/saving
• water usage

Schools will need to identify areas where improvements can be made, implement changes to these areas, and then be able to sustain these improvements.

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Requirements

There are two levels of Award, both levels require the: 

• support of staff and pupils
• support of a parent and/or governor
• willingness to take action to sustain the improvements and achievements

The Borough of Poole, through Environmental & Consumer Protection Services, will be able to support schools throughout both levels by providing advice and support.

Progress by Schools

The first six schools taking part in the Schools' Environment Award are; Branksome Heath Middle School, Corfe Hills School, Longfleet Combined School, Merley First School, Montacute Special School and Sylvan First School.

All of the schools are making good progress towards achieving the Award.  Activities undertaken include new recycling facilities in schools, maintaining and improving green areas, and raising awareness of ways in which to save energy and water.

In March 2009 Branksome Heath Middle School and Longfleet CE VC Combined School were presented with their Awards after meeting all the criteria required. In May 2009 Montacute Special School was presented their Award by Cllr Don Collier and Sophie Pritchard representing Lush. 

In October 2008 we recruited a further six schools to take part in the second phase of the Award. These are Ad Astra First School, Bearwood Primary, Courthill First School, Heatherlands First School, Lilliput CE VC First School and Old Town First School.

The official launch for these schools took place at Old Town First School on Wednesday 11th February, 2009.  Children were involved in cleaning the pond, planting a hedgerow, making bird feeders from pine cones, and erecting a compost bin.

If you are a school within the Borough of Poole and are interested in joining the Award please contact us.