This academic year, pupils at Felsted School 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.
Felsted pupils devised their own eight-step ‘Green Code’ to create positive change. Initially, a pupil-led eco-committee, the ‘Planet Protectors’, was established. This committee took responsibility for spearheading their school’s environmental initiatives, with support from Nia Thompson, Felsted’s Head of Sustainability. They first conducted a thorough review of their school environment and curriculum, before developing a year-long plan of action.
Their Action Plan focussed on three key issues: Biodiversity, School Grounds, and Healthy Living. Activities included rewilding two sites on school grounds, creating an eco code and learning about plastic in oceans and writing letters to CEOs of supermarkets. These activities were thoughtfully selected to increase environmental awareness, bolster their school’s sustainability, and make meaningful contributions to global conservation efforts.
Speaking about their achievements, Miss Thompson said, ‘It is a real joy to work with Felsted pupils – they have such a passion for protecting our planet and throw themselves into every green initiative we run at the school, from litter-picking to raising awareness of energy saving and preserving habitats for local flora and fauna to flourish.’
Pupil, Olivia S, Year 5 stated, ‘Being part of the Planet Protectors has been an incredible experience. It’s amazing to see how our efforts, like creating a wildlife garden and reducing plastic waste, have made a real difference in our school and community. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s helping to protect our planet for future generations.’
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.’
Felsted School won Boarding School of the Year 2023 at the TES Schools Awards, with the judges commenting; ‘We were impressed by the way topics such as sustainability were woven right through the school and not just stand-alone programmes or initiatives’. Learn more about Sustainability at Felsted here: www.felsted.org/sustainability.
Categories: Felsted School School News
