Pupils at Freemen’s have been recognised for their amazing work this academic year in making the school more environmentally friendly and raising eco-awareness in fellow pupils.
The school’s Eco-Committee was awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Merit by Eco-Schools, an education programme that prompts young people to explore sustainability and climate change and take action.
Pupils at Freemen’s conducted an environmental review, assessing how eco-friendly the school is. They reviewed everything from the school’s recycling practices, to waste, to how environmental themes are covered in classrooms. Building on their findings, the pupils and Eco-Coordinator planned a year of activities that would up their green credentials.
The group connected their work to three Eco-Schools topics: recycling, sustainability and waste.
Activities included regular assemblies, new recycling initiatives such as pens and crisp bags recycling (more than 100 kilos of empty crisps were recycled, boxed and sent to Air Ambulance Surrey) as well as the upcycling of 85 old school blazers which are on their way to India this half term.
“I am incredibly proud of the commitment and enthusiasm shown by our students in ensuring we are always moving forward making Freemen’s a more sustainable and environmentally friendly school,” said Ofelia Bueno- Lopez, Head of Geography.
Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, added: “Earning an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award takes passion, commitment and a desire to make a difference. Pupils should be proud of their great work. They’re an inspiration and it makes us feel heartened and positive about the future of our planet.”
