Oasis Academy Arena celebrates after receiving two eco-awards

A South Norwood secondary school is celebrating after receiving two awards for their eco-friendly efforts.

The eco-committee and gardening club at Oasis Academy Arena have been awarded with the Eco-Schools Green Flag accolade and were named Young Tree Champions for their work in creating a new biodiverse environment in the front garden of the school. These awards come shortly after the committee earned the bronze and silver eco-awards earlier this school year.

The Green Flag reflects the work of the committee in helping to embed environmental awareness at Oasis Arena. Students introduced recycling facilities, improved the school grounds, and helped to create a new biodiverse environment within the front of the school.

By becoming Young Tree Champions, Oasis Academy Arena received five trees to add to the garden including a Cherry Blossom Willow. Students in the eco-committee, gardening club, and Matrix provision planted these in front of the school along with other vegetation.

Year 9 Student and eco-committee member, Blessing said; “I’ve really enjoyed being part of gardening and eco-schools club as it’s helped me to learn a lot more about nature. Through planting the trees and vegetables we’re also able to add to the biodiversity of the school and make it a much nicer environment to be in!”

Eco-Schools Co-ordinator and Geography Teacher, Jon Channon reflected saying; “The eco schools programme has been a good opportunity for the school to evaluate its eco-credentials and see what changes, however small, can be made. We hope to continue with the good work going forward, including maintaining our current recycling facilities, while trying to do more, and keeping an eye on the biodiversity of the school including in our new front garden.”

There are over 20,100 registered eco-schools in England with the aim of raising awareness of environmental issues and improving the environment.