Burley school wins silver for going green
Environmentally friendly projects at a Wharfedale primary school have been awarded Silver Status in a government awards scheme aimed at reducing carbon footprints.
Pupils at Burley Oaks Primary school have been actively recycling glass, plastic, cardboard and paper in a bid to comply with standards set by the Eco-Schools Awards scheme, run by the Foundation for Environmental Educ-ation.
As part of their work they have also placed green plants next to computers in every classroom in a bid to help with the absorption of EMF emissions.
The children were introduced to the scheme last September, when they were asked to create posters for a competition.
They were asked to think about what was being wasted in school and made a poster to highlight issues such as light, heat, water, food and paper waste.
The school then formed an action team whose main focus was to think up ways of conserving energy in the school environment.
Their work was so successful that the school gained Silver Status in recognition of their efforts.
Spokesman for the scheme Lucy Worsman said: "The children have worked very hard on the scheme and are really excited about it.
"It has been so worthwhile and although we haven't yet reached a stage where we can measure how much energy we have saved yet I am sure what we have done has made a big difference."
Silver Status is granted to schools which have achieved targets outlined by their eco action teams.
The teams, made up of pupils and a parent, or governor, complete an environmental review of the whole school and then detail an action plan complete with timescales and targets which is then shared with the rest of the school community.
Members of the team then have to demonstrate their progress in order to obtain the award.
Miss Worsman said: "There are a number of different projects going on at the moment. We have eco-spies in key stage two whose job it is to go around the school at break time and see which class has left lights or computers on.
"The class with the best record of turning things off over a week receive an award.
"At the moment we are trying to develop the school grounds to attract and conserve animals and insects.
"We are concentrating on the pond and hope to build bird boxes, plant flowers to attract butterflies and add benches to the school to create an outdoor classroom near the Woodland area.
"We are looking for sponsorship and help from local organisations and businesses to help us fund these initiatives and would love to hear from anyone who can help."
The school is currently working with environmental agency The Carbon Trust to see how it can reduce energy consumption.
Staff have also scheduled a number of environmentally friendly initiatives such as a show called What a load of rubbish'due to be staged in June, and workshops in recycling.
Children are encouraged to attend gardening club and the entire school is involved in a potato growing competition.
Miss Worsman said: "We have already achieved a lot of what we set out to do and hope to carry on with our work to achieve the top award a Green Flag."
3:26pm Sunday 11th May 2008
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