Aim of the foundation: Environmental education for sustainable development

1. Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

2. Foundation for Environmental Education • Aim of the foundation: • Environmental education for sustainable development • To facilitate a world-wide Programme Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

3. Blue Flag Foundation for Environmental Education The FEE 5 Key Programmes Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

4. What is the Eco – Schools Programme? • A programme promoting environmental awareness and action • Links with the Revised Curriculum • Eco-Schools is a whole school holistic programme • It involves school pupils, teachers, non teaching staff, parents, the local authority and local businesses. Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

5. Impact on Your School Changes attitudes Increased Environmental awareness Team work Pupils responsible for actions Increases pupil pride in school Involves whole-school Uses practical activities Improves school grounds and environment Sustainable development taught Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

6. How to become an Eco – School Register - free Receive welcome pack, learn how to work towards awards 7 step programme Choose from 10 Topics Self certify school for Bronze and Silver awards Work towards your ‘Green Flag’ by studying one major topic and two minor topics Your school also must be litter free Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

7. Eco – Schools 7 Steps Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

8. Litter Waste Water Biodiversity Climate Change Energy Global Perspective Healthy Living School Grounds Transport 10 topics to choose from Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

9. Going for awards • 3 levels, award criteria is linked to the 7 steps • Minimum of 6 months before applying for Green Flag. • Bronze / Silver – self-certify. • Green Flag internationally recognised accreditation (renewed every 2 years) Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

10. The 7 Steps 1 - Eco Committee 2 - Environmental Review 3 - Action Plan 4 - Monitor and Evaluate 5 - Curriculum Links 6 - Wider Community 7 – Eco-Code Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

11. Step 1 – Eco Committee • Pupil led • Range of class groups represented • Reporting, showcasing results and obtaining feedback from the whole school Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

12. Step 2 – Environmental Review • Form on website / toolkit • Pupil involvement • Cover every area of environmental impact – 10 topics • Show results – notice board • Review – once a year Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

13. Step 2 - Environmental Review Form • E.g. Energy section of Environmental Review Form • Simple and quick process. • Eco-Committee could complete. Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

14. Step 3 – Action Plan • Review – informs an action plan • Complete form on website / in toolkit • Pupils responsible for some actions • Measurable targets (avoid general targets) 25% increase in recycled cans etc. • This will help monitoring and evaluating steps and to measure success as opposed to increase recycling. • Share with whole school. • Action Plan included in school’s development plan Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

15. Step 3 - Example Action Plan Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

16. Step 4 – Monitor and Evaluate • On-going activity • Whole school aware of progress of environmental action • Evaluate effect through discussion and debate • MONITORING – collection of quantifiable data e.g. water/energy use, number of bins taken to landfill, transport to school data, healthy snacks data, etc. • EVALUATION - comparison of before and after data in relation to the topic covered Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

17. Step 5 – Curriculum Links • School has named individual responsible for environmental education • School has curriculum plan integrating a range of eco issues into the curriculum across all year groups in all subjects • Link curriculum work into Eco-Schools Programme e.g. topics identified in the action plan • Issues on sustainable development are explored through curriculum activities in many year groups Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

18. Step 6 – Wider Community • Who? • All pupils and staff • Parents • Local businesses • Council • Environmental organisations • Showcase work • Newsletters/magazines • Website • Local Press Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

19. Step 7 – The Eco-Code • Whole school can get involved e.g. class competitions • Display it • Know it - engage everyone • Keep it relevant e.g. review your code in line with action plans • You can have lots of fun with your Eco-Code posters, song, pictures etc. Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

20. Step 7 – The Eco-Code Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

21. Green Flag assessments • Apply to Eco-Schools, TIDY Northern Ireland • Externally assessed • Re-assessment required every 2 years • N.B. Continual Process – we can assess you at any point in your programme • Deadline for Green Flag application is 11th January 2013 and 15th March 2013 Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

22. The assessment process • Submit Application – checked • Assessment date/time agreed • Fully trained volunteer assessors visit your school • Assessment – around 2 hours • Not a formal presentation as report provides all the information • Review all relevant documentation, the Eco-Code, minutes [in any format], Environmental Review, Action Plan, eco notice board • Meet the Eco-Committee 8. Tour around the school preferably led by the Eco-Committee 9. Meet pupils from a variety of classes and age groups and View the results of various activities Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

23. Eco Schools – Curriculum Links • Art/ Design – Posters, paintings, junk art • Drama - Schools can create plays based on climate change/litter/waste/inequality • Music – Groups such as the Really Rubbish Orchestra go into schools and recycling rubbish into musical instruments Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

24. Eco Schools – Curriculum Links • English - Writing short stories, essays, articles in the local press highlighting local environmental issues • Maths - Calculating the cost saving to a school , i.e. savings to the school energy efficiency, graphs, charts, statistics, every notice board in the school could be covered with this • Science - Looking at the carbon footprint, designing ways to overcome the problem of litter be it designing bins or using experiments Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

25. Eco Schools – Revised NI Curriculum Curriculum Objectives- Key stage 1, 2 and 3 Empower young people to achieve their potential , make Informed, responsible decisions throughout their lives. Develop the young person as an individual Develop the young person as a contributorto society Develop the young person as a contributorto the economy &environment

26. Eco Schools – Curriculum Links Key Elements • Personal understanding • Mutual understanding • Personal health • Moral character • Spiritual awareness • Employability • Economic awareness • Education for sustainable development • Citizenship • Cultural understanding • Media awareness • Ethical awareness Areas of Learning Personal development The world around us Environment and society

27. Initiatives - Biodiversity Contact your council for help, most of them have ‘Biodiversity Officers’ who can give you excellent advice on this topic Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

28. Initiatives - Energy • Contact your Education Board. • They can put you in contact with your local ‘Energy Efficiency Officer’ Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

29. Register with Operation Energy • Eco-Schools is now sponsored by Airtricity who also sponsor the Energy topic. • Operation Energy offers fantastic resources to help energy efficiency. • These include: • 50 hours of activities (with lesson plans) for Foundation, KS1 and KS2 • An interactive website, • Online games • www.operation-energy.com Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

31. Initiatives - Climate Change HSBC Climate Change Initiative • This exciting project involves HSBC staff in 18 countries connecting with schools to address environmental themes. Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

32. Initiatives - Global Perspectives “Go Green, Go Global!” for Key Stage 2 teachers and pupils - Global perspective and Climate Change. Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

33. Initiatives - Healthy Eating • Schools are already enforcing healthy eating so you should gain recognition for your good work • Some schools have “Fruity Fridays” and reward pupils who bring healthy snacks to school Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

34. Initiatives - Transport • 4 week sustainable travel challenge. • Addresses the Transport topic for Green flag. • Curriculum Linked Resources – KS1 & KS2 • There are four prize categories for use of sustainable transport with some great prizes and a special awards ceremony. • information and registration details can be found at www.translink.co.uk/eco-schools Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

35. Initiatives – School Grounds • You can use the “Biodiversity Topic” to help with this topic as a way of developing your school grounds • There are grants available to schools through the “Big lottery Fund” • You could also ask for help from parents and local businesses Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

36. Initiatives - Water • The best agency to ask for advice on this topic is ‘Northern Ireland Water’ or you could even ask your school caretaker for their opinion. Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

37. Initiatives – Litter Less Campaign • Aims • To reduce litter and effect long-term behaviour change amongst the youth around globe • 15 different countries including Northern Ireland • Seed Funding for Schools to do a litter project – up to £320 Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

38. Initiatives – Litter Less Campaign • School Requirements • Upload evidence of campaign through the website • Each school is required to connect/collaborate with other schools in participating countries • The deadline for completion of the project is 21st of December 2012. Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

39. Initiatives - Litter • The BIG Spring Clean will run throughout April 2013 • Register to do a schools litter pick (school/community) • Free Big Spring Pack (posters, stickers, bin bags). • All Eco-Schools encouraged to get involved • www.bigspringcleanni.org Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

40. Initiatives - Waste • Get in contact with your councils “Recycling Officer” for help and advice on this topic. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action to take regarding your waste Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

41. Initiatives - Waste Curriculum Resources www.cashforclobber.com Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

42. Initiatives - Waste • Cookstown Textile recyclers • Your school could win up to £3000 by recycling all types of clothing, shoes, household textiles and handbags • The school that collects the most clobber per pupil wins & get paid 60p per kilo collected • Bag collection (clothes bank) • Competition runs: • – 01st Sep 2012 -31st May 2013 Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

43. Initiatives - Waste • We support the new ‘Rethink Waste’ campaign • Raise awareness / understanding of waste prevention / recycling issues • Aim is to give practical tips for action to support cutting down the amount of waste we produce • Workshops to 40 schools and piloting 4 zero-waste schools • Workshops address paper and plastic waste Eco-Schools Programme Support Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and by the Department of the Environment.

44. Initiatives - YRE • Goal of YRE is for post-primary school students (aged 11-21) to investigate environmental issues / problems and report them • 3 types of entry can be submitted either written, photographic or video journalism • International YRE competition is held each year, where winning Northern Irish entries will be entered. • 3 age categories 11-14; 15-18 and 19-21. • www.youngreporters.org Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

45. Online Resources Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

46. New Eco-Schools Website

49. Questions Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.

50. What others think of Eco-Schools “Eco Schools: engages the whole school community – students, technicians, caretaker, canteen staff, teachers and parents, generates ideas from within the school creating a great sense of pride and ownership and makes the curriculum more interesting by getting students actively involved in practical project.” Caroline Quinn, Teacher, St Mary’s College, Clady “Eco Schools is all embracing and contributes to significant improvements to the physical health and emotional well-being of pupils, which has resulted in a significant rise in educational attainment. Eco-Schools gives them a voice and builds their self-esteem, sowing the seeds of young, articulate, confident adolescents.” Dinah MacManus, Principal, Holy Family Primary School, Belfast Eco-Schools Northern Ireland is operated by TIDY Northern Ireland, sponsored by Airtricity and supported by the Department of the Environment.