Pupils celebrate third environmental award

PUPILS at Allensbank Primary in Cardiff have been recognised for a third time for their work helping the environment.

The school’s Eco Committee has gained a third green flag award after working with the whole school community as well as outside agencies to ensure they are as green as possible.

Allensbank launched its Eco Committee in 2010 with elected member ranging from pupils in year two to year six.

This month, as every September, pupils wanting to join will be asked to write a manifesto to state why they would be a good member before a secret ballot is carried out by the whole school.

Results give two members of each year group the chance to be on the committee.

A recent initiative has been energy. Pupils have monitored energy use in the school by checking that all lights and computers are switched off when they are not needed.

Each class had a record chart with the Eco Committee recording findings. The most energy efficient class wins an award of extra play time. Another focus for the Eco Committee has been active travel. Pupils have worked with Sustrans to promote the use of bikes, scooters and walking to get to and from school.

Again, the committee has promoted competitions to encourage pupils, families and staff to use sustainable transport,

Pupils on the Eco Committee meets weekly during their break and assembly time, to discuss their actions and ways forward.

They communicate findings and actions to the whole school and also the outside community, so everyone is aware of what is happening and to encourage everyone to be environmentally friendly.

Tracy Lewis, Eco Schools coordinator for Allensbank Primary, said: “We are extremely proud that we have achieved our third green flag. The Eco committee has worked so hard.

“We are now heading towards the top award of the Platinum flag, which will show we are a fully committed school towards to environment, the earth and its people.”