Oak Tree Primary School Eco Policy
Rationale
At Oak Tree Primary School we strive to help our pupils learn about the world and that
what they do to care for the earth and its inhabitants (people and animals) matters.
We aim to do this by working closely with the Eco Schools programme, led by the Eco
Warriors group and Eco Committee group of pupils, staff, parents, Governors and
interested people from our school community.
Our Aims are that:
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Every pupil can participate in making Oak Tree Primary an Eco-friendly and sustainable
community with a global perspective.
All pupils, staff and visitors to our school sense and follow our Eco-Code (see Appendix 1)
which is fundamental to our school ethos.
Pupils can learn about and decide on the priorities for our school.
Eco matters and a closer connection to the earth are integrated into the curriculum and
school life.
Current Framework:
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The Eco agenda is steered by the Eco Warriors, supported by Staff, Governors and
community – guided by (but not contained by) the Eco Schools agenda.
The Eco Action plans (see separate document) reflect the work in progress under the Eco
Schools nine areas.
Significant progress has been made in all nine areas, particularly in the areas of
biodiversity and recycling.
The ways in which we will strive towards this goal is to Reduce the amount of
materials we use and waste we produce, Re–use materials wherever possible,
Restore what is deemed to have been destroyed and Respect our neighbours and
our environment.
Reduce
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Energy
We will switch off lights when they are not in use. (light monitors)
We will keep outside doors shut in cold weather. (door and window monitors)
We will make sure we turn off taps when they are no longer needed.
The eco-club will audit the amount of energy used.
Each class will appoint class monitors to ensure these recommendations are carried
out.
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Paper
We will reduce the amount of paper we use in our classrooms by:Writing and printing on both side of the paper whenever possible.
Filing photocopies for use at a later date.
The eco-club will investigate the possibility of sending information electronically.
In addition, each class will have a waste paper box to enable us to re-cycle our paper.
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Transport
We will continue to take part in the ‘Bikeability’ scheme to encourage safe cycling.
We will encourage staff to share transport when going on courses etc.
Re-use
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Fruit
Many children bring their own fruit for break time snacks. We will endeavour to
compost the remains of the fruit.
Gardening
Gardening waste will be put into the school compost bins.
Paper
Paper will be re-used within the classroom. Each class will have a tray of partially used
paper that can be used again.
Display paper will be taken down carefully and re-used wherever possible.
Paper will be used on both sides wherever possible.
Equipment and Uniform
Outdated or unwanted equipment will be offered to others who might have a use for
it.
Good condition uniform including football boots and trainers, will be collected
washed and sold or given to children.
Recycle
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At Oak Tree Primary School, we recycle a range of materials on a regular basis. We
have a central collection point situated in the area outside the small hall.
Paper is collected in recycling bins in every class room and office area. This will be
collected on a regular basis by Frank and placed in the green paper recycling box on
site.
Cartridges from computer ink will be collected in a labelled bin.
The eco warriors will research a recycling art project.
Textile recycling will be organised at least twice a year through schemes such as
Science into Schools.
The eco-club will continue to evaluate our recycling scheme and add to the materials
for recycling where possible.
Restore
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School habitats such as the bug hotel, hedgerows, treed areas etc. are used by the
children to study flora and fauna and their habitat. Children will be encouraged to
return all living creatures to their original habitat.
Areas disturbed by sport, by accident, or by malicious damage will if possible be
restored to its original condition.
Children will be encouraged to treat all school equipment with respect. Books and
other equipment will be repaired wherever possible. (see Golden Rules Appendix 2)
Respect
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Our first and most important school rule is that we will respect one another.
This rule will permeate all we do whether it is discussing global issues welcoming
people of different races, faiths, abilities, or dealing on a daily basis with each other.
We will extend this respect to the environment and all living creatures.
Assessment
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Our school is hoping to gain an Eco-school award as a result of some of the above
ideas and this will involve rigorous, on-going assessment.
Our annual parents’ survey will have relevant questions as will the staff and children’s
survey.
Observation of particular children and around the school will be a good indication of
the success of some of these strategies.
Events such as assemblies and the children’s work will be another way of measuring
the effectiveness of this policy.
The Eco-Warriors will give feedback to their classes and teachers assessing actions.
Future Development:
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All staff will continue to support pupils in the successful embedding and running of Eco
Schools work throughout the school.
The school will continue to seek opportunities to promote its achievements to local
media and the wider community.
The school will continue to build links with the wider community on its eco work, for
example, with Boots, OPAL, the On Fire project and members of Oak Tree Heath action
group.
Although the school will act on all the Eco Schools Areas the key areas of development
in 2014/15 are:
• To ensure sustainability is embedded in the curriculum and school ethos. This will
include opportunities for pupils to reflect and think about the reasons behind
sustainability to help them inform their own views.
• Biodiversity : through the continued development of the grounds and tree areas to
encourage diversity in plant life and wildlife.
• Healthy Living : so that all pupils have a greater understanding of how food is
produced and that they learn the skills of growing some of their own food in the Oak
Tree grounds including our new polytunnel when it has been built.
• Energy saving : Pupils will be required to learn the skills necessary to save energy and
water at school and home through projects like ‘Switch off Fortnight’ and workshops
during ‘Water Week’ supplied by Severn Trent.
• Global perspectives: making links with pupils from other schools and that learning
about the impact of our actions on the wider world is vital. To include yearly coverage of
‘Fair Trade Fortnight’.
Each year a new Environmental Review will be conducted to inform a revised Action Plan.
A copy of this policy is available in the school office for all parents to read.
Policy reviewed: September 2014
Next review: September 2015
Appendix 1
Oak Tree Eco Code.
Turning the world into a better place.
At the heart of what we do.
Keeping the community safe.
Everyone joining in.
Creating nature in our school grounds.
Against wasting electricity and water.
Recycling where we can.
Encourage everyone to eat healthy snacks.
Appendix 2
Golden Rules
These rules are referred to frequently and should encourage the children to be
positive in all they do and should help to create a happy environment for pupils to
work in.
We are gentle
~ We don’t hurt others
We are kind and helpful ~ We don’t hurt anybody’s feelings
We listen
~ We don’t interrupt
We are honest
~ We don’t cover up the truth
We work hard
~ We don’t waste our own or others’ time
We look after property ~ We don’t waste or damage things