The Green Flag
A Green Flag is awarded to a school every two years and Coole N.S. have been awarded two Green Flags to date. At the moment we are working on our third flag. This flag is awarded for all the work completed in the school on the theme of travel and on efforts made by the school to create awareness about the impact of modern means of transport on the environment. So far “WOW” days have been held (Walk on Wednesday), where children were encouraged to cycle to school and if coming by car was essential, families were encouraged to car pool. Although our surrounding area is rural, many children embraced the effort of the school to promote more environmentally-friendly means of coming to and from school.
Previously our school had been awarded Green Flags for Recycling and Energy Conservation. All of these projects had a direct positive impact on creating a more environmentally sustainable school.
Previously our school had been awarded Green Flags for Recycling and Energy Conservation. All of these projects had a direct positive impact on creating a more environmentally sustainable school.
Background
Green-Schools, known internationally as Eco-Schools, is an international environmental education programme, environmental management system and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment.
Unlike a once-off project, it is a long-term programme that introduces participants (students, teachers, parents and the wider community) to the concept of an environmental management system. However, Green-Schools is far more than just an environmental management system.
Unlike a once-off project, it is a long-term programme that introduces participants (students, teachers, parents and the wider community) to the concept of an environmental management system. However, Green-Schools is far more than just an environmental management system.
The Seven Steps
Step 1: Set up a green schools committee.
Step 2: Do an environmental review.
Step 3: Make out an action plan.
Step 4: Evaluate and monitor our progress.
Step 5: Integrate environmental issues into lessons in each classroom.
Step 6: Inform and involve the wider community.
Step 7: Create a green code.
