First school receives silver for going green

Going green has earned Sixpenny Handley First School silver from an international awards scheme.

The school has received a silver certificate from the Eco-Schools programme after pupils successfully took part in a number of environmental activities.

They included measures to conserve energy and water with the school’s local water company offering particular advice and help.

Pupils took part in interactive sessions arranged by Sembcorp Bournemouth Water (SBW) as part of its Waterwise school education programme.

Delivered by a qualified teacher, with the help of ‘Otto the Otter’, the sessions are designed to teach children about water efficiency and the water environment.

They also help schools deliver their own targets, including a reduction in water use.

Roger Harrington, SBW’s Managing Director, described Sixpenny Handley First School’s silver certificate as “fantastic news.”

He added: “I am extremely pleased for the school and congratulate the staff and pupils who have obviously put a great deal of effort into understanding the environmental impact of their activities.

“Today’s young people will have an especially important role in the future in helping to minimise the impact of human activity and in particular water use.”

Eco-Schools is an international award programme operated in 46 counties around the world.

It helps schools to become sustainable by providing a framework to embed key principles into the heart of school life. More than 15,900 schools are registered with Eco-Schools in the UK with 4,660 achieving the silver award.

Clare Hewitt, Headteacher of Sixpenny Handley First School, said: “The children have worked really hard to achieve the Silver Award and have enjoyed taking part in many activities.

“This is so important in today’s climate and they are ensuring all members of the school community save water, energy and re-cycle regularly. We have lots more exciting plans ahead and are aiming for the Green Flag status.“