Academy rises to green challenges

Oct 10 2008 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

A CRIEFF school is well on its way to achieving “Eco-school” status. Morrison’s Academy are working towards becoming as environmentally friendly as possible and are aiming for the highest accolade under the Eco-Schools scheme, an international award programme that guides schools on their sustainable journey.

Eco-Schools is one of five environmental education programmes run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) with 46 countries around the world currently participating. Schools must develop action plans with pupils taking responsibility for running “action teams”, and identifying and achieving targets relating to environmental challenges and issues.

To help with their bid, Morrison’s Primary pupils held a ‘Green Day’ last Friday.

Various outside agencies were invited to the school to make presentations and take part in environmentally friendly activities.

The children worked with members of PKC’s waste and litter teams, and the countryside ranger, carrying out litter picks, composting and other environmentally themed tasks.

Pupils wore clothing and accessories that they had designed and made from reused rubbish or recyclable materials.

P5 teacher Fiona Harvey explained: “The aim is to raise the children’s awareness of the importance of being more environmentally friendly and aware of the small steps that everyone can take as part of our daily routines.”

The school already holds a Bronze award but are now a step closer to flying the Green Flag, the highest level of award.