It’s celebrations all round at New Horizons Primary School in Portsmouth as they have been awarded in recognition for their passion about environmental issues.
Eco Schools, a national programme that provides schools with an educational framework about being more eco-friendly, have presented New Horizons with Green Flag status to acknowledge their drive to protect the planet.
In order to earn their Green Flag, the school had to follow seven Eco-Schools steps during the 2020/2021 academic year.
Activities included setting up an Eco-Committee, conducting an environmental review, producing an action plan on how to be more eco-friendly, learning about protecting the environment in lessons, and creating an Eco-Code to list the school’s commitment to being more eco-aware.
Chloe Wooden, a Year 6 teacher who is leading the Eco-Committee group that started in September 2021, says it’s an exciting moment for the school to achieve Green Flag status. She Said:
“I think it’s important for children to be aware of how to be more eco-friendly. They see it discussed on the news, they see it everywhere, so they are now curious and want to make a difference and a positive impact on the planet.
“Everything we have done so far has been ideas from the children which is really good. They want to get stuck in and find out ways to do good in school, and with other children in the classroom. We have also provided some news reels for our New Horizons news team to show to the school.”
Eco-Schools is operated by the Keep Britain Tidy charity and charges schools £200 when they apply for an Eco-Schools Green Flag.
This allows the organisation to continue its important work and encourage more schools to follow New Horizons in making the same positive commitment to be greener.
Miss Wooden continued: “At New Horizons, our Eco-Warriors have been working to make our school greener so we have more green spaces within our grounds. We went litter picking locally on community walks and have picked litter up when we went to the beach too. From that event alone we got 10 bags of rubbish which was amazing.
“It’s been really heart-warming, actually, to get to this moment. The children have really enjoyed it, and I have too, and everyone keeps coming up with new ideas and tell me them with excitement. I have loved every bit of it and happy to continue doing so.”
Mr Jack Jones, the Head of School at New Horizons, praised everyone for the work they have completed to achieve Green Flag Eco-Schools status.
He said: “I’m really impressed by the staff and children who have worked together to achieve the Eco Schools Green Flag for New Horizons Primary. There has been a huge amount of time, effort, and energy poured into this moment and we’re already seeing a difference in how we come together as a school community to do good for the environment.
“From thinking twice about the materials we’re using in our learning every day, to recycling more wisely and being mindful of our water consumption, the children are really passionate about making a positive difference which is great.”
“At New Horizons, we are all about coming together to make a difference, and that’s what we are committed to do within our school and wider community.”
