St Edwards CE Primary School sustainability success

Staff and pupils of St Edwards CE Primary School receiving the DCSF Award for Sustainable Schools

St Edwards CE Primary School won the DCSF Award for Sustainable Schools in North West of England at the 2009 Teaching Awards.

The school won the coveted prize because as well as the obvious such as solar panels, wind turbines and recycling paper, the whole school is geared towards developing a deep, lifelong understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live, and the need to protect it.

Nowhere is that more obvious than in the grounds of the school. Its outdoor learning facilities allow lessons to go on year-around, in all subjects of the curriculum. A sensory garden in Key Stage 1 allows younger children with opportunities to smell herbs and look at brightly-coloured flowers, and listen to the sounds of wind chimes. Year 5 pupils have been working on a garden project which has involved them designing and planning a vegetable patch, while Year 6 are helping to build a natural play area.

The school’s pond and wildlife area is used across curriculum area. Pupils developed the woodland area, with the eco-committee canvassing opinion on how it should be improved, even consulting a local landscaper for advice. The deep water pond is home to 18 koi carp and demonstrates how water can be recycled and filtered, while the natural wildlife pond has frogs and newts. Pupils used both ponds during geography topics on water purification, when they analysed samples from each one.

Up to 90 pupils and staff cycle to school every day, as part of the school’s travel plan. All children are keen to become members of the eco-committee, which meets weekly with the eco coordinator to discuss and plan activities, and youngsters regularly promote the work being done at their school at events.

A teacher said: “There is a real and urgent need to change the way we live, to protect the environment and the quality of life of people all over the world. By committing to a culture of sustainability we are creating a powerful force of change for now and future generations.”

Last year, St Edward’s won a distinction in the same category.