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Schools celebrate Green Flag success...
A celebration event is to be held after five of Peterborough’s schools were awarded prestigious Green Flag awards – the highest number the city has ever achieved.
Five of the city’s schools have now achieved Green Flag status which is awarded by the international Eco Schools programme. The programme provides schools with a framework to help embed green principles into the heart of school life. There are three award levels, bronze, silver, and the highest level - Green Flag.
In order to achieve the Green Flag award schools must meet a number of criteria including establishing a pupil led ‘Eco-Action Team’ and incorporating the environment into lessons..
A number of Peterborough schools are taking part in the Eco Schools scheme: sixteen have achieved bronze, twelve have achieved silver, and now five have achieved Green Flag status. One of the five, St Augustine’s Junior School, has secured the Green Flag award for the fourth time, something which only 120 other schools in England and Wales have managed.
To celebrate this achievement the Mayor of Peterborough Councillor Keith Sharp has invited all five Green Flag schools to an event at the Town Hall reception room on Tuesday 28th September, 10am-11am.
 Pupils and teachers from the schools will have the chance give the Mayor their ideas on how to make Peterborough more environmentally friendly and share what their school is doing to be ‘eco-brilliant.’ They will also enjoy a piece of a special Green Flag cake which is being made in their honour, using locally sourced ingredients.
Jill Foster, Environment Education Officer from green charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), supports local schools to achieve Eco School status. She hopes this success will encourage more schools to take part. “The Eco Schools scheme provides a clear framework to help schools go green. Schools in Peterborough have the added benefit of support from PECT to achieve their award – I’ve helped many local schools achieve their awards and am here to help more schools get involved. That Peterborough now has five Green Flag schools is testament to the dedication and hard work of the teachers and pupils involved.”
Mel Collins, Peterborough City Council's assistant director of learning and skills, said: "We’re holding this event to shout about the achievements of the city’s schools and inspire others to do their bit. It’s vital that we give Peterborough’s young people the chance to celebrate their successes and encourage them to continue the good work.”
Councillor Samantha Dalton, cabinet member for environment capital at Peterborough City Council, congratulated the schools on their success. She said: “The commitment of our young people to environmental best practice builds a solid foundation for the careful management of the earth’s resources on the part of the up-coming generation. It supports Peterborough’s reputation as the UK environment capital and brings benefits for our residents and the wider community.”
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Photo/Film opportunity:
Eco Schools celebration event, 28th September, 10-11am, Reception Room, Town Hall.
Notes to Editor
Peterborough’s five Green Flag schools:
1. Sacred Heart RC Primary School – achieved the award this year.
2. The Peterborough School (previously known as Peterborough High School) – achieved the award this year.
3. St Augustine’s Junior School
4. Werrington Primary
5. Southfields Primary School (previously Southfields Infant School)
Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) is a charity set up following Peterborough’s designation as a UK Environment City in 1992. PECT carries out research and implements practical projects to protect and improve the environment. Our mission at PECT is to lead and support the city in delivering growth and regeneration in a truly environmentally sustainable way. As a successful charity we work with a wide variety of stakeholders to make a difference for our environment – through innovation, enterprise and commitment to action on the ground. PECT has a strong track record of delivering projects of regional and national significance. It has a staff of 35 working on initiatives from green spaces to business environmental management to sustainable communities and lifestyles.
Eco Schools programme:
http://www.eco-schools.org.uk
For further information please contact:
Nyree Ambarchian, Marketing & Communications Manager
Tel: 01733 866 437 Email:
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