Eco-Schools is much more than an environmental management system for schools. It is a programme for promoting environmental awareness in a way that links to most, if not all, curricular areas.

In particular, many inter-disciplinary themes such as citizenship, education for sustainable development, health education, and social and environmental justice can be tackled through involvement in Eco-Schools. It is also an accredited award scheme that will raise the profile of your school in the wider community.

The Eco-Schools process is holistic. It works by involving the whole school - pupils, teachers and other staff, together with members of the local community - parents, the local authority, the media and local businesses. It will encourage teamwork and help create a shared understanding of what it takes to run a school in a way that respects and enhances the environment.

We hope that you will find the process of becoming an Eco-School challenging, thought-provoking and exciting.

What will the school get out of it?

• The opportunity to make environmental and global issues an intrinsic part of the life of the school.
• The opportunity to develop young people’s decision-making skills.
• Access to curriculum materials and ideas for projects and events.
• Access to a network of support agencies across Scotland and beyond.
• Links with other schools in the UK, Europe and Africa.
• A prestigious award.
  
• Opportunities for local and national publicity.
• Potential for financial savings.

How is the programme structured?

The Eco-Schools Scotland programme is made up of seven elements, incorporating ten environmental topics.

Once a school has registered on the programme and implemented these seven elements, it can apply for an Eco-Schools Award.

There are three levels of award. The first two levels of award are the Bronze and Silver Awards. The top level of award is the Green Flag award, which must be renewed every two years.

A school can apply for any one of these levels depending on how much it feels it has achieved. The Bronze Award Criteria, Silver Award Criteria and Green Flag Award Criteria, will help to give schools an idea of what stage they have reached and what level of award they could apply for.

What do schools need to make it happen?

• The support of the Head Teacher and Senior Management Team (SMT).
• The involvement of pupils in a democratic decision-making process and action at every stage.
• Active involvement of staff and the wider school community.
• A willingness to take action to instigate long-term, sustainable change.