Minister to raise Green Flag for Bishop Eden Primary
Pupils and staff at an Inverness Primary will celebrate achieving a third Eco-Schools Green Flag for their school next week (Monday 5th October) with a flag raising event supported by Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Business, Energy and Tourism.
Minister Fergus Ewing said; “I’m delighted to be visiting Bishop Eden Primary School to raise their third Eco Schools Green Flag renewal. The Eco-Schools programme, which is backed by £440,000 of Scottish Government funding this year, is extremely popular in Scotland and this award demonstrates Bishop Eden’s own commitment to the programme and Learning for Sustainability in general.”
Bishop Eden Primary, in Inverness was awarded their first Green Flag in 2009, and second in 2011. Since this time they have been working hard to get their third flag.
Acting Head Teacher, Lisa Campbell explained: “A lot of work has gone in to attaining our third Green Flag, 25 children (that’s half of the school cohort) and 3 staff got together once a fortnight for half-an-hour to working on and Eco Activities Plan across the whole school.
“The Eco committee conducted a litter audit, ensuring that recycling bins were being used and emptied regularly, keeping the playground litter free. A priority was to consider the health and wellbeing of all children by developing an Eco Code, and having lunchtime clubs on a Friday such as, Skipping and Gardening club.
“The children grew fruit and vegetables in school and then baked or cooked the produce incorporating healthy-living options. The children also worked in the wider community by picking up litter locally, hosting an eco-fayre, crafting sessions and using Fairtrade products.”
Fergus Ewing will join pupils, parents and staff at Bishop Eden Primary on Monday 5 October to help celebrate their Eco success and he will raise their third Green Flag.
Eco-Schools is an international award, managed by Keep Scotland Beautiful, that guides schools on their sustainable journey, providing a framework to help embed these eco-principles into the heart of school life.
Derek Roberson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “The pupils and staff at Bishop Eden Primary School are to be congratulated for attaining their Green Flag again. By using their engagement in Eco-Schools Scotland as the foundation for their overall achievements in learning for sustainability, within the curriculum for excellence, we know that the pupils will be empowered to take action and become advocates for a sustainable world. Indeed today, Bishop Eden Primary School pupils have become the first primary aged children to contribute to a national conversation about Climate Change which we are leading to capture the voice of Scotland to present at the UN Climate Change Negotiations in Paris this year.”
2 Oct 2015