Background
Green-Schools is an international environmental education programme, environmental management system and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment.
It is a long-term programme that introduces pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community to the concept of an environmental management system. It fosters a strong sense of citizenship and leadership among participants that spreads far outside the school into the wider community. It brings children into the decision-making process and makes them responsible for their decisions and actions.
The Green Flag
A Green Flag is awarded by An Taisce to a school every two years.
Prior to amalgamation, each school had achieved Green Flags for:
- Litter & Waste – Litter & Waste is the first theme. It focuses on litter and waste issues, encouraging a sense of responsibility
- Energy – Energy looks at the steps which can be taken at school to reduce energy consumption and raise awareness of climate change
- Water – This theme develops awareness around water conservation and how to effectively manage this important resource in schools
- Travel -This theme aims to increase the number of students walking, cycling, scooting, using public transport or carpooling to school
As a new school we are currently aiming for our first Green Flag. This flag is awarded for all the work completed in the school on the theme of Litter & Waste. It focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling, encouraging a sense of responsibility and pride in our environment.