Can't help but notice what a huge difference there is between implementing Ecoschools in a primary school to what has to be done in a secondary school.
Working in a school of 1800 pupils, over 2 sites, with 2 very different sets of "challenges" and 2 very different ecoclubs demands a lot more admin/organisation and time. As well as this, our inspection has to take place when half our committee is on study leave due to the SQA exams - another problem primary schools do not have.
I think the Ecoschools initiative is very impoortant but there doesn't seem to be as much funding available to us, compared to a much smaller primary school. Secondary school pupils seem to be unfairly regarded in this respect.
What do you think? I'm flagging this up to start a debate but it is a very important point. Less secondary schools seem to be involved with Ecoschools - what are the reasons for this?

Hi Brendan - you raise some very interesting points.

In terms of secondary school involvement in Eco Schools we know that over 90% of Scottish secondary schools are registered Eco-Schools and of these over 60% are at either Bronze or Silver award level. The sticking point is the move to Green Flag level - and we appreciate the reasons for this (exam pressure, staff time, reluctant teenagers etc) and that is why we launched a new secondary approach at Hampden Park two weeks ago. (Details on the website in the near future)

Your own split-site arrangement increases the difficulties but we have always acknowledged the workload under which ES coordinators in schools work - that is why we instigated the GTC 'Certficate of Professional Recognition' in SDE which is available to teachers such as yourself.

As for the timing of your assessment (please, not 'inspection') - we have over 200 applications to process for this term - schools are always best advised to apply for assessment at some other time of the year - and we may not see them all. Having said this I visited Airdrie Academy today and their senior pupils were there to greet us.

Re funding this is clearly a 'local' issue - it's up to the SMT to decide if they want to divert resources to support an Eco Committee. The ES one-off grant is the same for all schools.

I'd be really keen to hear what other secondary teachers have to say on this.

Hi there everyone,

I am the Eco-coordinator (and student) for our school, Craigmount in Edinburgh. We are also a large school with 1400 students.

We do find it difficult to do things in the school because everyone seems to have something 'more important' to do or different ideas on how things should be done. It has taken us 3 years to achieve silver, which isn't bad, and we're quite proud!

Some of the main issues with a Secondary School -other than what has been raised- is parent volunteers and getting the students actively eco.

We have a choice period for 2nd years where they could choose an activity to do weekly, but our eco period seemed to have not many subscribers, therefore it won't run next year. I think the core issue is that we need to get students involved with Eco Schools in a way that they can relate. Something fun, interesting etc...

Thanks, and I hope this helps!

Ronan Docherty
Communications Manager
Student Volunteer
Greenmount Environmental Group
Craigmount High School

Hi Ronan

If you email me directly I'll send you some 'hints and tips' for secondary eco-schools that contain a range of fun ideas to catch pupils' interest.

Also, if you persuade your Head Teaacher, I am happy to come along and give a presentation to the whole school about environmental issues and Eco-Schools (and tell hime I don't charge a penny!)

paul.cortopassi@ksbscotland.org.uk