Oasis Academy Pinewood awarded prestigious Eco-Schools’ Green Flag Status!

This academic year, pupils at Oasis Academy Pinewood, Romford, received international accreditation for their exceptional work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness amongst their peers.

Pupils at Pinewood used Eco-Schools’ tried-and-trusted seven-step framework to create positive change. Initially, a pupil-led Eco-Committee was established. This committee took responsibility for spearheading their school’s environmental initiatives, with support from Nursery Teacher and Forest School Leader, Mr R. Olley.

They first conducted a thorough review of their school environment and curriculum, before developing a year-long plan of action.

Their Action Plan focussed on 3 key issues: Biodiversity, Energy consumption, and Marine diversity and activities included creating more habitats for mini-beasts, increasing the number of feeders for the birds, and locating an area to install a pond for pond-dipping. These activities were thoughtfully selected to increase environmental awareness, bolster their school’s sustainability, and make meaningful contributions to global conservation efforts.

Speaking about their achievements, Mr R. Olley said, “The Eco-committee are always incredibly enthusiastic about their committee meetings and have begun to develop a clear plan for future ecological projects for the school.”

Pupil, Grayson, age 6, stated, “I like making a difference to the world and helping our planet and Eco-Council is fun.”

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools’ Green Flag is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and high standard of sustainable practice.”

“Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication toward protecting our planet. Every day, they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable, place.”

The Eco-Schools programme, established in 1994, is now implemented in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2023-24, more than 1.4 million pupils attended an Eco-School in England.

To learn more about Eco-Schools head to www.eco-schools.org.uk.