Aurora Eccles and White House School earns Green Flag recognition

Established in 1994, the Eco-Schools programme has grown into a global movement, encouraging and empowering young environmentalists to make a positive impact on our planet.

Jenny Pearce, Head of Humanities at Eccles school, said the Green Flag accreditation was important because it not only validated the excellent work undertaken by pupils during the past academic year but also provides encouragement to them to continue achieving great things.

Each year, the Eco-Schools ‘journey’ begins with pupils from Eccles and White House forming an Eco-Committee, supported by Jenny and other staff members including Forest School Practitioner Zoe Nicholls.

The committee’s first task is to carry out an environmental audit of the schools, after which, the pupils work together to create a detailed and impactful year-long action plan designed to drive positive change.

"I’m super proud of all the work the pupils are doing, and have done, to make our schools more eco-friendly." Jenny, Head of Humanities, Aurora Eccles School.

Jenny said: “It was great to see all those involved in the Eco-Committee last year put themselves forward again this year, plus there were lots of new faces too.”

Last year, one of the schools’ focus was on recycling and compost boxes.

“We’re fortunate at Eccles that our site has different natural habitats and there’s a lot of space,” said Jenny. “So, we looked at how we could support the natural environment around us, such as stopping mowing and rewilding some areas. We even created a wildlife corridor to attract more insects, with the support of local company Practical Plants who donated plants.”

As well as encouraging action, Eco-Schools provides teachers with a great opportunity to educate young minds about the wider environmental issues impacting the world.

“As the committee progresses throughout the year, we see pupils taking on more responsibility and leading more themselves, which is all part of developing their independence, their life skills, their growth,” said Jenny.

As well as pupil-led initiatives, the schools themselves are continually looking at ways to reduce their environmental footprint.

Jenny said: “We’ve just installed a heat pump at White House and motion sensor lights in many communal areas and we’re considering the possibility of more solar panels. It’s important that, as a business, we make the changes we’re able to make because it all matters – and it’s what our pupils expect.”