Rokeby School celebrates another Eco-Schools Green Flag triumph!
“I think getting the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award and the Ocean-Friendly School Award were important this year because it helped everyone’s wellbeing. We could see that we could make a difference too. I thought I learnt a lot and it was definitely an eye-opener. It’s made me realise we all need to take action as soon as possible.”
This academic year, Rokeby’s team of Eco Reps (boys from Reception to Year 8) have continued to lead the way in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness among the school community, including peers, staff members, and the wider local community. Their exceptional efforts have once again been celebrated with the prestigious, internationally recognised Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation.
The Eco-Schools programme, established in 1994, has been inspiring young environmentalists for over 30 years. It has grown into a global movement, with Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation awarded to schools in more than 100 countries. In England alone, the programme reaches over 1 million young people each year, empowering them to make a positive impact on our planet.
Since Rokeby first began their sustainability journey in 2021, their accomplishments have included introducing Energy Monitors, gaining an Ocean Friendly School Award from the Marine Conservation Society, planting a variety of pollinator plants and several trees, borrowing a hedgehog camera from ZSL London Zoo’s HogWatch campaign for Rokeby Sports Ground, litter picking, hosting a variety of environmental speakers and taking part in the Cut Your Carbon Eco-Schools campaign.
This year, the Eco Reps built on these achievements impressively by tackling three key areas: biodiversity, energy and marine. Working together, they created a detailed and impactful year-long action plan to address these priorities. Activities included holding plant sales, working to reduce food waste, running a sustainable travel week, holding an Outdoor Classroom Day and more recycling.
“The Eco Committee worked hard all year, consistently taking part in all the campaigns, communicating our objectives with their forms and learning about the environment on school trips.”
Speaking about their achievements, staff member Clare Brown, Sustainability Coordinator, said, “The Eco Committee worked hard all year, consistently taking part in all the campaigns, communicating our objectives with their forms and learning about the environment on school trips.”
Hugo, Year 7, stated, “I think getting the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award and the Ocean-Friendly School Award were important this year because it helped all of our wellbeing. We could see that we could make a difference too. I thought I learnt a lot and it was definitely an eye-opener. It’s made me realise all we need to take action as soon as possible.”
Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, expressed: “Every year, we are amazed by the incredible efforts of young people working together to create a better future for all. Their collective impact is truly remarkable. If everyone approached the climate crisis with the same level of passion and determination, we could resolve it much faster and make it a problem of the past. At Keep Britain Tidy, we are delighted to recognise their achievements with the Eco-Schools Green Flag.”
To learn more about the Eco-Schools programme and accreditation, head to www.eco-schools.org.uk.