Pupils at Cwmaber Junior School have proven their green credentials after being awarded a top eco award.
Cwmaber Junior School have been awarded the prestigious Platinum Flag Award for the 5th time, after previously gaining three Green Flag Awards thanks to the environmental education programme, Eco-Schools.
Eco-Schools is an international programme run in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy and funded by the Welsh Government.
The Eco-Schools programme inspires and empowers pupils to be leaders of change in their community, helping them learn about sustainable living and global citizenship while giving them the information and support they need to make changes that will benefit their school, local environment and wider community, such as reducing waste, energy consumption, transport, biodiversity, healthy living and litter issues.
As part of their Eco-Schools Platinum assessment, Cwmaber Junior School enabled all pupils to gain a greater understanding of their rights as a child in the current climate. Due to being in a Recovery Curriculum, the school felt it was important to focus on the positives. All stakeholders took part in a survey, pupil voice, and all classes contributed to deciding on what work each class was going to undertake. The school also focussed on ensuring a ‘Feelings Chart’ was set up and used in each class to support Children’s Health and Wellbeing during this difficult year. Competitions were undertaken, e.g. designing a new stamp, posters for display in school and design an information poster for the community. Pupils have worked with the wider community by producing informative posters to explain the ‘Rights of a Child’ and how these rights affect all of us.
Mrs Dann, Eco coordinator said, “I am so proud of the work that the Eco Council and the whole school have undertaken. We are all delighted to have achieved our 5th Platinum Flag; As an Eco School, we are committed towards continuing to explore how we can develop our sustainability.”
Fran Watkin, The Education Officer for Keep Wales Tidy commented, “The Platinum Flag is a very impressive achievement and highlights the enthusiasm and commitment that Cwmaber Junior School has towards sustainable development. The dedication of the Eco-Committee over many years has been inspirational. I’d like to congratulate and thank all of the pupils and staff involved for their hard work!”
Cllr Ross Whiting, Cabinet Member for Learning & Leisure added, “We here at Caerphilly Council are all equally impressed and thrilled for Cwmaber Junior School. The Platinum Flag is a reflection of the dedication concerning all staff and pupils involved.”
