DIMENSION 8
– Valuing and Empower Staff and Young People
A school is excellent to the extent that...
“Many young people, staff, parents and members of the wider community plan, consult and work collaboratively to improve the school environment and the experiences the school provides for its pupils. The pupil council, or equivalent, has taken on challenging issues and has been successful in having a positive impact on important aspects of school life and on the wider community.” (p98)
This statement of excellence embodies the entire ethos of the Eco-Schools programme.
It embodies all seven elements of the Eco-Schools programme in requiring teamwork, planning, evaluation, communication, problem-solving, ethos, and inclusion.
Involvement in the Eco-Schools programme provides valuable evidence of a school’s commitment to pupil empowerment.
Properly motivated by staff, pupils can make great strides in personal confidence and sense of achievement through practical, positive, environmental projects.
DIMENSION 9
– Promoting Well-Being and Respect
A school is excellent to the extent that...
“Children and staff develop self-confidence, self-esteem and positive views about themselves and their school, through participation in an extensive and varied programme of activities both within and out of school hours. The world beyond the school is regularly used as a source of learning for all young people.” |
“Young people are proactive in developing ideas about their future and have acquired the skills and knowledge to plan their careers effectively.”
In the document “Taking Learning Outdoors - partnerships for excellence” (LTS 2007) Learning and Teaching Scotland defines outdoor education as “...a teaching approach which can enhance and integrate a broad range of core experiences ... which connect learners with their environment, their community, their society and themselves. It engages and motivates learners through first-hand experiences..."
While not all Eco-Schools activities take place outdoors, many do, and all are aimed at environmental improvement.
Additionally, particularly for secondary pupils, exposure to professionals from environmental protection agencies and waste management companies, among others, will raise their awareness of ‘green’ jobs available in the environmental arena.
DIMENSION 10
– Developing a Culture of Ambition and Achievement
A school is excellent to the extent that...
“A coherent relationship between enterprise, creativity and citizenship has been established and is being fully exploited. Citizenship and creativity are embedded in school, stage and departmental development/improvement plans.”
“We do everything through our Eco!” reported one primary headteacher at a recent conference. Many schools find that the Eco-Schools programme offers a unique common theme which integrates several other initiatives, fascinates pupils, and allows them to develop a whole range of academic and personal skills in a very practical and real-life context. |
