Hathershaw College awarded prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag

Students at Hathershaw College have earned an international accreditation this academic year, recognising their impressive work in making their school more environmentally friendly and raising eco-awareness in fellow students.

The Eco-Schools programme was established in 1994 and is now delivered in more than 70 countries across the globe.

More than one million pupils attended an Eco-School in England in 2022-23.

Students at Hathershaw College first formed an Eco-Committee, then collaborated with Mrs Lott, the school’s Sustainability Lead, to conduct an environmental review, assessing how eco-friendly their school is.

They reviewed everything from biodiversity within their school grounds to how students and staff members travel to school.

Building on their findings, students and Mrs Lott then planned a year of action designed to advance their school’s green credentials, improve their local environment, and protect our planet.

The Eco-Committee connected their work to three Eco-Schools topics: Global Citizenship, Biodiversity and Energy.

They then planned a variety of projects including writing to local MPs about improving recycling and waste streams; creating engaging posters to display around school reminding staff and students to turn off lights and other electrical equipment when not in use; and raising money for the WWF (World Wide Fund For Nature).

Mrs Lott said: "The students had some amazing ideas and are clearly very passionate about protecting the planet.

"They have worked so hard on all of the actions we set ourselves and are keen to get started on the next set of actions!’

Eco Committee Member, Jamelia Raza, said: "Even if I can’t make a big difference, I want to at least contribute a bit to help with climate change and global warming.

"I also want to do this to take part in something different and unique… it is a really good experience."

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools Green Flag award is an internationally recognised symbol of high environmental standards.

"The pupils and school staff that earn the award deserve immense credit for their hard work, determination, and creativity.

"Their passion for protecting our planet is an inspiration to us all.”

To learn more about Eco-Schools, please click here

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