Over the past year, students at Monkspath Junior and Infant School have demonstrated their sustainability credentials by taking part in the Zero Carbon Schools Programme, organised by Green Schools Project.
The programme helps pupils learn about the causes of climate change, the effect it’s having on the natural world and what action can be taken to mitigate its impacts. Monkspath pupils then investigated and measured the carbon footprint of the school, coming out at 563 tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) and came up with several eco initiatives within their school.
This included a focus on food waste, where the students sold their vegetable plants grown from seeds and their vegetarian recipe book at the school summer fair. Some of their plants were also featured at BBC Gardeners World Live at the NEC as part of the ‘Pollinators Palace Wheelbarrow Garden’. The pupils have also made posters and leaflets about plastic pollution and healthy lunchboxes. In addition, year four students have documented the biodiversity found on the school grounds and measured the decibels of sounds they’ve found outside.
This is what Cabinet Member, Andy Mackiewicz said about the school:
“Monkspath Junior and Infant School has once again shown their leadership on climate change and sustainability, having recently picked up Your Future Solihull awards and Greener Solihull School Awards.”
You can find out more about the Zero Carbon Schools Programme and how to register an interest if you are a teacher on the Green Schools Project website
Ken Hawkins 