Eco Schools is a worldwide initiative, endorsed by the United Nations, which in this country, is managed by ENCAMS. It is a great way to make sustainable development a part of the life and ethos of your school. Designed to fit into the curriculum, it's an award scheme that gets everyone in the school community involved in making the school environment better. Any school can register as an Eco School and in doing so they show a commitment to improving their environmental performance. They work towards a series of awards, the highest being the green flag. Eco Schools establish an Eco Committee who ensure that environmental issues become a part of the life of the whole school. The committee includes representatives of all members of the school community including pupils, teachers, governors and parents. The committee works as a team to tackle issues such as waste management, sustainable transport, water management, healthy eating, saving energy, looking after the school grounds and litter.
In Oldham the number of registered Eco Schools is growing fast. As over half of Oldham’s schools are now registered, an Oldham Eco Schools Network has been established to enable schools to share best practice and exchange ideas. If you are interested in the scheme or wish to find out which local schools are registered, contact Suzanne Walton, the Eco Schools Senior Community Education Link Officer, at:
Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale Environment Centre
Shaw Road
Higginshaw
Oldham
OL1 4AW
Tel: 0161 624 1444
Fax: 0161 624 1555
Website: http://www.groundworkoandr.co.uk
You can also find out about the Eco Schools scheme by visiting www.eco-schools.org.uk or by telephoning 01942 612621 or by emailing eco-school@encams.org.
For further information on any of the above, please contact Joanne Stanley on 0161 770 4448 or email her at Joanne.Stanley@oldham.gov.uk