Swansea schools are among the greenest in Wales and are flying the flag to show it.
Pupils in more than 50 of our schools have led the way in promoting green living and have achieved international Green Flag Status- the highest possible level in the Eco Schools scheme.
Schemes such as reusing bottles to build a greenhouse or creating a peace garden in the school grounds are among the innovative green steps our schoolchildren have taken.
Gerry Taylor from Keep Wales Tidy, the organisation which manages the Eco Schools scheme, said: “Pupils take the key role in decision-making and participation in order to reduce the environmental impact of the school.
“Pupil committees carry out an audit of what can be done- whether it’s reducing energy use, tackling litter and reducing waste or planting the school grounds to create habitats for wildlife.
“They also link with developing countries to lean more about other communities and their place in the world.”
Alison James, Deputy Head Teacher of Ynystawe Primary School, agreed that pupils take the lead in making school a greener place.
She said: “The Eco Schools programme has raised awareness of sustainability and global citizenship with staff, pupils, parents and governors. It has given children the opportunities to make their own decisions and voice their own opinions. It has also given the children a sense of ownership and pride in their school and its grounds.”
One hundred and six schools across Swansea are currently climbing the Eco Schools awards ladder. Of these 83 have Bronze awards, 69 have gone on to Silver and there are 50 schools which have achieved full Green Flag status.
Brynhyfryd Junior School recently achieved their Platinum Award. Teacher Russell Bevan said: “All pupils are fully aware of how important it is for them to be responsible for the school environment and the wider community. This has been achieved through schemes such as recycling a variety of materials, saving energy in the classrooms, growing fruit and vegetables and improving the school grounds for the benefit of pupils.”
