Developed by local charity Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), the framework aims to help schools become greener whilst embedding knowledge of sustainability issues. 97% of schools in Peterborough currently take part in environmental education, which is one of the highest levels of uptake in the UK.
The Voyager has worked hard over the past three years to achieve its environmental status of obtaining the flag, through achieving the required five out of 10 certificates in the different environmental categories. The Voyager now holds certificates in the following areas: Health and Happiness, Culture and Heritage, Land use and Wildlife, Sustainable Transport and Equity and Local Economy.
This has been achieved through implementing sustainability schemes such as its innovative ‘101 Things to Do before you leave’ Voyager program and its extensive outdoor education curriculum
to enhance the students’ learning and to further embed environmental education within the curriculum.
Some of the projects the Voyager have carried out to achieve its Flag include: exploring heritage sites within Peterborough, setting up a community garden and offering Dr Bike & Bikeability Level 3 Class sessions to teach students about bike maintenance and safe travel.
Sustainability is further displayed through its whole school program of student engagement in school and community life, where students participate in a range of student leadership opportunities and volunteering both in school and across the city.
Heidi Latronico-Ferris, Outdoor Learning Coordinator at the Academy explains: “It is important for the students to take part in the Eco Framework because it allows them to discover the area around them and make positive changes at home. Not only does the program enhance learning in all curriculum areas but it teaches life skills such as teamwork, leadership and problem-solving.”
Project Officer Jill Foster explains: “The Peterborough Eco Framework is positively changing the way pupils learn, through teaching them important transferable skills which they can use within other areas of the curriculum.”
In addition to its success in the Peterborough Eco Framework, the school has received other environmental awards including a Woodland Trust Platinum award, showing its commitment towards eco-initiatives.
For more information please contact PECT’s Environmental Education Manager Jill Foster by emailing [email protected] or calling 01733 866443.