Eco School

What is an Eco School?

An Eco School is a learning environment where sustainability takes centre stage. It's more than just a school—it's a community that empowers students to take the lead in protecting our planet. Through hands-on projects, eco-friendly initiatives, and a whole-school approach, pupils develop a deep understanding of environmental issues and take real action to make a difference. From planting bee friendly pollinators and reducing waste to saving water and tackling climate change, Eco Schools cultivate young changemakers with a passion for a greener future.

Since 1994, the Eco Schools Framework has guided millions of young people to deliver eco projects that make their school more sustainable, increase environmental learning and benefit their local community. We began our Eco School journey in 2024 with a view to achieving the prestigious Eco School Green Flag award.

For more information about the Eco School programme click here.

Earning a Green Flag award is an exciting journey of teamwork that showcases our school's commitment to sustainability and pupil-led action. Here’s how we make it happen:

1. Forming an Eco Committee
We begin by assembling a team of enthusiastic pupils and staff who champion our eco mission. Everyone has a voice, and decisions are made together.

2. Carrying Out an Environmental Review
Our committee conducts a full review of the school’s environmental impact—from energy use to litter and biodiversity. It helps us understand and celebrate what we’re doing well and spot areas where we can do better.

3. Creating an Action Plan
Based on our review, we set clear achievable goals and projects —like boosting recycling rates, saving energy, or planting pollinator-friendly flowers. Every action is meaningful and pupil-led.

4. Curriculum Links
Our sustainability goals are embedded into the curriculum across all year groups. Whether it’s exploring climate change in Science and Geography or persuasive writing in English, pupils gain deeper understanding of environmental issues through their everyday learning. We also link our actions to global initiatives like the UN Sustainable Development Goals. See below for further details.

5. Involving the Whole School & Community
Eco values are part of daily life. From hosting assemblies and sharing work through newsletters and social media to launching school-wide eco challenges, we make sure every pupil, teacher, and family can take part and feel proud of the change we’re creating.

6. Monitoring and Evaluating Progress
Our committee tracks progress, updates the school, and celebrates our successes. This helps us stay focused and motivated to keep improving.

7. Applying for the Green Flag
Once our action plan is complete and we've reflected on our impact, we submit our application for the Green Flag award. It’s our way of showing how small steps can make a big difference.

Click below to view our Eco School Action Plan.

OUR GREEN FLAG ACTION PLAN.pdf

Our Eco Code:

Eco-Schools: Our Focus Topics

At the beginning of the academic year, our Eco Committee led an assembly introducing the ten topics of the Eco-Schools programme. These topics represent key areas where schools can work towards greater environmental sustainability and social responsibility. They are as follows:

• Biodiversity

• Energy

• Global Citizenship

• Healthy Living

• Litter

• Marine

• School Grounds

• Transport

• Waste

• Water

To ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach, every pupil and member of staff was invited to vote for the three topics they felt were most important to our school community. Our topics chosen for 2024/25 were:

Our Sustainability Curriculum

At Crawford Village Primary, we are committed to preparing our students not only for academic success but also to thrive as informed, responsible global citizens. Our sustainability journey is rooted in the belief that education plays a crucial role in shaping a more equitable and environmentally conscious future.

Recognising the urgent challenges facing our plant - from climate change and biodiversity loss to the social impacts of resource inequality - we have taken active steps to embed sustainability more meaningfully across our curriculum. This transformation is not a fleeting initiative, but a long term commitment to evolving our teaching and learning. By revisiting and reshaping our curriculum, we are creating more opportunities for learners to explore environmental science, ethical practices, local and global citizenship and innovation in sustainable technologies. These themes are woven throughout subjects, year groups and classes, fostering critical thinking, empathy and active problem solving.

We believe that every pupil should understand their role in building a sustainable future. This belief drives our intention to offer a curriculum that is both academically rigorous and deeply relevant to the world our children are inheriting. It also supports our wider work in creating a culture of sustainability throughout our school community - from how we manage our resources to the values we promote.

This journey is ongoing, reflective and responsive. As we move forward, we continue to learn, adapt and collaborate - driven by the voices of our pupils, staff and broader community.