EcoSchools

This section is about the EcoSchools scheme nationally and in Suffolk.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EcoSchools scheme?
Eco-Schools is a Europe-wide scheme and over 60 schools in Suffolk are already taking part. It is designed to encourage and acknowledge whole school action for the environment and is both a programme and award scheme "towards sustainable lifestyles". It is designed to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of a school and is a great way to celebrate good environmental activities in schools.

If your school is involved in any of the following (or plans to be) then it is well worth finding out more about the scheme:

waste & recycling	energy & water conservation
school grounds development	travel to school
healthy living	local citizenship project

What can schools gain from it?
- Recognition and publicity: the programme leads to a prestigious European environmental award
- Help in managing the school's resources, building and grounds – and saving money: the programme provides guidance about saving energy and water, reducing waste and implementing recycling schemes, all of which can lead to savings for schools.  
- Links to the curriculum: the programme fits easily into curriculum work, particularly into science, geography, maths, English, PSE, citizenship and also literacy.
- It also complements (very successfully) the Healthy Schools programme and contributes to the school's provision of spiritual, moral and social development of pupils and the ethos of the school.

Where does it fit?
EcoSchools fits into the:
- curriculum, e.g. science, geography, citizenship, PSHE;
- management (resources, school grounds and buildings);
- and the ethos, of schools.

It offers a very effective way of bringing together all the different environmental aspects into a manageable framework.

Is there a fee to take part?
Registration is free, resources can be downloaded from the EcoSchools web site and there is no charge to apply for the awards.

Where can I find out more about the scheme?
-Visit the EcoSchools web site: http://www.eco-schools.org.uk/
- or contact Alison Wood (Suffolk schools only) Tel:01473 784209. Email: Alison.wood@educ.suffolkcc.gov.uk .
- A wide range of help is also available(e.g. from Suffolk County Council's Energy & Environment Team, Grounds Service, Property Division and Travel Plan Advisers and others) for details contact the Environmental Education Centre
- Also visit the international EcoSchools web site for projects, activities and links: http://www.eco-schools.org/

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