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Green Schools Newsletter Special Edition

July 2011

What’s in this issue

� Special Edition Introduction

� Celebrating other achievements

� Articles by pupils

� Blogs written live from the event

� Comment Board comments

� More Photos

� Peterborough Eco Awards 2011—results

Special Edition The Peterborough Eco Awards 2011 were held on 5th July at Hampton College,

20 schools attended, they put up displays to show off what they had been

working on all year, wowed the judges with their knowledge and enthusiasm, took part in

a range of Eco Activities and finally were presented with awards to recognise their

achievements. It was brilliant day and the hall at Hampton was buzzing with the pupils

enthusiasm.

The articles in this special edition of the newsletter have been written by the pupils either

on the day or later back at school. We’ve also included the Blogs the pupils wrote live

the PECT website on the day.

The pupils should be truly proud of all they have achieved this year and I hope you enjoy

reading about their achievements.

A number of awards were presented on the day, the results for these are listed at the

back.

Celebrating other achievements At the start of the presentation ceremony, The Mayor of Peterborough made

special mention of two schools who achieved their Eco Schools Green Flag this

term, this is a very prestigious award and both schools deserve mention again.

Eye C of E Primary School and John Clare Primary School. Both schools have worked

very hard over a number of years and are very deserving of their Flags.

More schools were honoured on Thursday 14th July at the ET Education Awards, 3

schools were shortlisted for the Environment Award. Iqra Academy who have been

working on a Faith in the Environment project with PECT, the Altruism Group from Ken

Stimpson Academy who are aiming to collect 60 000 aluminium cans to raise money for

charity and finally Helen Bacon and Martin Fry from John Clare Primary for all the work

they have done over the years to assist the pupils in gaining the Eco Schools Green

Flag. The winner was John Clare Primary, well done to them and I hope all the schools

enjoyed the event.

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Peterborough Eco Awards 2011

Articles by the Pupils We have only edited these articles slightly so they are all the

children’s own words

St Botolph’s C of E Primary School

By Alex Alcock and Carrington Young At our school we are setting up a tuck shop to

encourage healthy eating. At the awards we displayed some

posters that we had designed. We had some graphs that

showed the results from

surveys that we sent

out in March to children,

staff, parents and

governors. They helped

us to make key

decisions on what to

buy and how to sell

stock. We have looked

at different suppliers

and identified the pros and cons of each. We were overjoyed

to receive the special judges’ award.

We enjoyed Sacred Heart primary school’s recycled games.

Caverstede Early Years Nursery have inspired us with their

bug hotel and enthusiasm. We have gained several ideas for

our own wildlife area. We had a fantastic day, thank you.

Hampton Vale Primary School.

By Milly and Benji Stevens On Tuesday the travel group went to the Peterborough

Eco Awards held at Hampton College; where we picked up a

few ideas about how to make out school more Eco friendly.

At the awards day there were lots of projects by other

schools, showing us the competition. There were games

made out of recycled materials such as a bowling alley made

from recycled bottles! Another school had muffins made from

home-grown beetroot and chocolate. At first we didn’t think

the muffins would be nice but we were pleasantly surprised.

They were tasty!

While at the awards day we saw a robot made out of recycled

material. It was really inspiring because if got us thinking

about how to use our own recycling at school. We thought

about making puppets and other toys from our recycled

materials that we could use or sell to raise money for our

vegetable patches. But we think the best part of the day was

meeting the Mayor of Peterborough and coming second place

in the award for sustainable travel.

Our Eco project was about sustainable travel. As a school we

were trying to think about travelling to school in a way that is

much more environmentally friendly. We researched what the

issues were for our school and found that we could be more

environmentally

friendly by families and

pupils to walk and

cycle to school.

Throughout our Eco

project we have tried

lots of things. One

thing we think would be

really good for others

to learn about is our

‘Walking Bus’. Teachers from school would be the driver and

conductor on an imaginary bus, and then walk around the

route through Hampton to school. Children can join the bus

and have a chance to see their friends before school. We

found it to be a healthy and safe way to get to school and we

hope it will become a regular thing and that lots of people will

join in.

We have only just started out journey to be an Eco school but

we hope we’ll be really successful.

Braybrook Primary School

My Experience of the Eco Awards,

By Lauren Finely On the day of Tuesday 5th July I got given an amazing

opportunity to go to the 2011 Eco Awards. This is how it

began.

Setting up the stall

Me and the Eco crew got given about 50 minutes to set up

our stall, which I don’t mean to brag but our stall took

everyone’s breath away!

Once we had finished

setting up our heart

stopping stall. Everyone

came to look at it taking

photos, almost like our

stall was famous and they

were the paparazzi.

We’re winners

I’m sure you knew this

was going to happen but I’ll tell you anyway. The Eco team

won our category. One of the most awesome things was we

actually were gifted to have an experience to shake the

Mayor’s hand. The moment they read out our names I had

an enormous smile on my face the biggest smile ever.

I enjoyed the fabulous stimulating day. I wish I could have this

experience again, why couldn’t it of lasted longer?????

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Braybrook Primary School

The Eco Awards, By Tiffany Tyson On Tuesday 5h July myself, Mrs Clark and two other Eco-

Warriors went to Hampton College for the Eco Awards

2011. We were up for the travel award.

Once we had arrived at Hampton College, we were kindly

taken through to where the event was held. We walked

down to our display and started hanging up our items.

When we had finished doing our display children from other

schools began to move around the room looking at

displays. When it came to the judges coming round we

were all very nervous. They began to ask questions and we

answered. After this we moved on to the activities, and

then it was lunch.

After we ate it was the ceremony. After the different

categories had been called it was us. We won!

Then it was time to pack up and leave, once we had

collected our prize of course.

West Town Primary

By Javeria Tariq We were very happy carrying out

our project. We like doing ECO

Club because we have been

chosen to try and save

electricity. We have a polar bear

cub and he goes out every

Monday morning in whole school

assembly to the best class at

saving energy with a certificate.

We like doing work like looking at

graphs and trying to find new ways to save lots of

electricity. We need to be keeping the good work up

keeping the electricity low like we did in the last months in

May and June. I really hope we do well in the future too.

Please when we have another ECO Award Day I hope we

will join you Miss Jill Foster. I liked most of the ECO

Awards Day especially when they did the judging - we were

so tense and we wanted to win. We didn't win but we did

get a certificate. Most important of all we had had fun and

loved making butterflies and flowers and talking to people

about our display and helping them play the climate

change game and make ECO badges.

The project that most inspired me was the one by the little

nursery children because it showed how much they can

think about nature and growing things. They are so little but

so clever.

Gladstone Primary

By Ishrut, Hlinah and Mariam, We liked the awards today because we got to meet lots of

new people and we how enthusiastic we are. We have

been very happy to be in here at the Eco Awards. We

voted for the best presentation but really all of them were

good.

We built a green

house out of plastic

bottles, we had a

plant sale, and we

made the flowerbed

out of scaffolding.

We have three

compost bins we are

going to use every term. Lots of people really liked the

green house and the idea of a xylophone

Eye C of E Primary School

By Courtney, Jessica, Kimberly and Jack This year we have been focusing on composting.

We have learnt about the different gases created by landfill

and tried to reduce the waste we have made. Our school

kitchen has changed the meals so that we throw less away,

for example we have changed our jacket potato skins into

wedges because people don’t’ like eating potato skins.

Our food is also healthy

because we have lots of fruit

for out puddings. We also give

scraps to our animals – rabbit

and chickens, so we don’t’

waste as much. Last year we

measured how much food

waste we produced and it was

quite a lot. This year we

measured again and it was

much lower than we thought it

would be. Each class has

been focussing on each of

these subjects and we were

very good at them. We have tried hard this year and our

reward for this is that we have been awarded our Green

Flag, which was the hardest most highlight moment of the

year!

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Bishop Creighton Academy

By Bisniah, Jessica, Charlotte, Stella and

Miss Barker Our project was an eco day for the whole school to teach

people to recycle. We played some games and did some

activities in our classes to get everybody involved. We

asked parents to bring in ink cartridges, mobile phones and

clothes to be recycled. Our school is now a lot more aware

about recycling than wasting.

We also have a gardening club

where we grow vegetables and

look after our plants. This year

we planted sunflowers from last

year’s seed and we picked our

first radishes yesterday. We all

really liked Nene Valley’s

garden project and this has

inspired us to develop our

school garden even more.

Our favourite part of today was

all working together as a group and taking part. We

enjoyed making the butterfly feeders best and doing the

sweep netting.

William Law C of E Primary School

By the Eco Team – Megan, Harry, Charlie,

Thomas and Miss Laidler Here we are at the Eco Awards on 5th July 2011. We have

looked round all the stands and the presentations are

unique, decorative and clever. We arrived quickly and put

up our William’s Orchard display and prepared for the

judges. The judges were kind and interested to hear about

our amazing achievements. Now we wait with fingers

crossed!

Nene Valley Primary School

By Harley, Libby, Ellie-May

Transforming our garden One Saturday in April,

pupil, staff and

volunteers from the

community came to

Nene Valley Primary

School to help us

transform our garden.

Before our garden was

unloved and

overgrown. Our school council decided it was time for a

change. We were very lucky that Friends of Nene Valley

raised money for our garden and local garden centres

made generous donations. Now our garden is loved. Each

class takes care of their own flowerbed and we have a rota

to water it. The herbs and vegetables we grow are used

for school dinners or are sold by gardening club. We are

always learning in our outdoor area now!

We were excited to be invited to the Peterborough Eco

Awards. We enjoyed making the mini garden and film for

our display. Libby, 9 said “I enjoyed looking around and

seeing what other schools had done.”

Harley, 6 said, “it’s been really fun coming here, I’m really

proud of our display.”

The Beeches Primary School By Alesio and Ayesha There were a lot of schools. We came in a taxi and

put up our display. My favourite display was Nene Valley

because they had a beautiful garden. The judges came to

look at our display. We spoke clearly and confidently, one

of the judges loved the elephant, we thought we were

going to come first. I enjoyed Ken Simpsons' project, they

had cans that were put as a border, it was really effective.

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From the PECT Blog On the Awards day the pupils wrote short blogs for

the PECT website and these were uploaded live by Penny,

Here is a selection:

Hampton College

Eco Awards are hot hot hot!! Setting up for the Eco Awards, really hectic and hot.

Looking forward to what will happen!

Katrina, Hampton College Green Team.

Sacred Heart Primary School

Having fun at the Eco Awards! We have enjoyed showing people our games. Everyone

seems to like them. Its good to be out looking at other

schools. Its been fun.

Ella, Ben, Anya and Freddie, Sacred Heart School pupils

Hampton Vale Primary

We have all really enjoyed today! It has been fun talking, meeting new people. We liked the

games and different activities people had. Even the judges

were very nice!

Hampton Vale School pupils.

St Thomas More RC Primary School

Eco Awards are great! Its been great to see other people's stalls and the Hampton

College Sim's game where they connect the subject of

'going green' with the game.

Amos, St Thomas More School pupil

I have mostly enjoyed looking at other pupils' stalls, also

finding out what they thought of our chocolate beetroot

muffins. We were very happy with what we said to the

judges.

Misbah, St Thomas More pupil.

I enjoyed trying our chocolate muffins and meeting new

people.

Ruth, St Thomas More pupil.

St Botolph’s C of E Primary School

Our day at the Eco Awards We are enjoying our day at the Eco Awards. We have

gained lots of ideas to share with our Eco Council at

school.

We have especially enjoyed playing the games and

designed and made by children at Sacred Heart!

Alex, Carrington, Joshua and Owen, St Botoph's school

pupils.

Middleton Primary School

The Eco Awards Today we went to the Eco Awards. The Hampton College

students were very polite and helpful. They brought us lots

of drinks and fruit and showed us where to go.

It was really interesting seeing what the other schools have

done. The best idea was collecting 65,000 aluminium cans.

Adam , Charles, Amie and Abbie, Middleton School pupils.

John Clare Primary School

We are an Eco Awards School and we have won

the Green Flag Award! We have a green fairy that goes around and the classes

and my class, Broadwheel won so we get a trip to the

Butterfly place to learn about them.

John Clare pupils

Ken Stimpson Community School

Altruism We are currently a social enterprising company called

'Altruism'. From previous company ventures we raised

enough profit to launch our 'Kenny Cans' scheme. This

scheme means we can aspire towards collecting 65,000

cans within the school and community in exchange for

£600.

This makes this scheme financially beneficial, eco-friendly

and it joins the community together.

Our school is situated in the midst of three primary schools,

a Tesco and we have a sports centre on campus. This

therefore gave us the idea to collect cans from our

surrounding community, making our goal more attainable.

Four months into the scheme we have 20,000 cans, we

have another 12 months to achieve our target.

James, Jordan , Isaac , Ken Stimpson Community School

pupils.

For more blogs by the pupils visit

www.pect.org.uk/blog

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We have many bird feeders in our school garden. We have an idea of making our own fat balls and we took this idea from Caverstede.

The song by Middleton Primary is cool. from West Town School

At the Awards there was a comments board for the pupils to let everyone know what they liked and what to look out for. Here are a selection.

Sacred Heart’s recycling games are cool! We LOVED the beetroot

cakes at St Thomas More!

All of the displays are awesome but especially Hampton College’s

and Nene Valley’s☺

William Law has good achievements and should be very proud

I like the display of William

Law ☺

I like Nene Valleys model because it is beautiful. Really liked the games at Sacred Heart

Really liked the freebes at Braybrook Really liked the model of the garden at Nene Valley.

We like Ken Stimpson’s exhibit because of the quirky and eye catching presentation. The display of cans is brilliant. We like the idea of collecting cans and raising money by recycling them.

All games are good on all stands from West Town School

Hampton Vale have been working hard!

We like the special effects in the film by Jack Hunt! from West Town School

Nene Valley—Display and children very informative about their project

We love the bug hotel at Caverstede EYC

5 star Bug hotel at Caverstede!!

Sacred Heart RC Primary School I like the Robot made of junk!

We really enjoyed playing the games the year 2 from Sacred Heart made

John Clare is amazing! Great ideas and helpful students.

Super song at Middleton!

Very good models at Bishop Creighton Academy

We like the way Nene Valley have made a Garden From Charlotte

The can border around the display by Ken Stimpson is really creative

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Peterborough Eco Awards 2011 – The results

Awards judged in advance, the entries in these categories were nominated by their schools and the winners decided by judges from Perkins

Engines and Councillor Samantha Dalton.

Eco Leader Award Winner: Helen Bacon, John Clare Primary School

Mrs Bacon was nominated by two pupils from the school, Kiran Double and Ellie Seston. They wrote a beautiful letter

telling the judges about everything that Mrs Bacon does for them and how much she inspires them, this is a quote

from their letter:

“We are so proud of Mrs Bacon, she is our inspiration, she is committed to the Eco Club and everything it stands for.

She has truly made a difference at our school and we feel that she deserves the Eco Award as recognition of her work

and dedication.

Long live the eco warriors! “

Highly Commended: Heather Revell, Eye Primary School; Sarah Owen, Gladstone Primary School; Amy Barker,

Bishop Creighton Academy

Green Supporter Award Winner: Beryl Hollingsworth, St Augustine's C of E Junior School

Beryl Hollingsworth is a Governor at the St Augustine’s and was nominated by the school for this award, this is a little

of what they said about her:

“Beryl has been responsible for and supported numerous initiatives and events over time. However, her overall passion has been for the environment, she is our resident ‘Eco Warrior!’” “...the contribution Beryl has given to the school in time, effort and support has positively impacted on better outcomes for the children in our care.”

This award was judged by Cllr Samantha Dalton, in choosing Beryl as the winner she said,

“I'm delighted we have committed volunteers like Beryl in our local schools.”

Highly Commended: Bea Holdsworth, Gladstone Primary School

Green Aspiration Award Winner: Eco Team, St Augustine's C of E Junior School

The Eco Representatives at the school were nominated by their teachers, the judges were impressed with the whole

school ethos and the range of activities which the Eco Reps participated in. This is what the teachers had to say

about the pupils;

“Every child at our school is part of our eco team but the eco representatives help to ensure that our environmental

ethos is maintained. The work they undertake includes organising litter picking, composting, switching off lights,

encouraging healthy eating, helping to maintain the wildlife area in our paddock, looking after the pond as well as

participating in class projects including growing flowers and vegetables.

Highly Commended: Eco Team, Middleton Primary School; Eco Team, Bishop Creighton Academy; Eco Team,

Braybrook Primary School

The judges for these three awards had an exceptionally difficult job as all of the nominees

are amazing, they should all be very proud of what they do and achieve in their schools.

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Peterborough Eco Awards 2011 – The results

Eco Factor Award

Voted for by the pupils on the day for the most informative and interesting display.

Winners: Nene Valley Primary School, Ken Stimpson Community School

Special Recognition Award

presented to Hampton College in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the sustainability of their school, their

contribution to Eco Activities across the city, their work with other schools and their drive commitment and enthusiasm.

Theme Awards - judged on the day by judges from Perkins Engines, Peterborough Evening Telegraph and the

PECT board.

Biodiversity Award

Winner: Caverstede Early Years Centre

School Grounds Awards

Winner: William Law C of E Primary School

Highly Commended: Gladstone Primary School, Nene Primary School

Energy Award

Winner: John Clare Primary School

Highly Commended: West Town Primary School

Global Perspectives Award

Winner: Sacred Heart RC Primary School

Healthy Living Award

Winner: St Thomas More RC Primary School

Highly Commended: St Augustine's C of E Junior School, St Botolph's C of E Primary School

Transport Award

Winner: Braybrook Primary School

Highly Commended: Hampton Vale Primary School

Waste and Recycling Award

Winner: Ken Stimpson Community School

Highly Commended: Bishop Creighton Academy, Eye C of E Primary School, Jack Hunt School

General Eco Promotion

Winner: Middleton Primary School

Highly Commended: The Beeches Primary School, Hampton College

Judges Special Award

Awarded to the two groups of pupils who demonstrated the most drive and enthusiasm for their Eco work

Winners: St Botolph's C of E Primary School and Eye C of E Primary School

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There are a number of people and organisations we need to say thank you to. This event has been made possible thanks to support from Perkins and the Caterpillar Foundation

and support from Peterborough City Council Children’s Services, thank you.

Thank you to our judges, both for judging at the event and for judging the additional awards in advance of

the event, we know it was a very tricky task.

Thank you to Hampton College for hosting the event and in particular thanks to Rebecca Armour, Eleanor

Pullen Walenn and the Green Team for their help in organising the event and helping out on the day, they

were absolute stars!

Thank you to the following organisations and people for providing the lunchtime Eco Activities for the

pupils.

• PCC Climate Change Team, Jenna Hiley

• Enterprise Peterborough, Waste and Recycling Education Team,

• Nene Park Trust, Anna Thomson

• Clare Cottage, Nicola Day Dempsey

• Wildlife Trust - Rachel Price

Thank you to all the individuals and organisations who have donated prizes: Anglia Cooperative, Organic

Recycling, Clare Cottage, PCC Climate Change Team, Cllr Pat Nash MBE, Enterprise Peterborough, The

Green Backyard, John Lewis, Moor Farm Newborough, Queensgate Shopping Centre, Riverford Organics,

Send a Cow, Serpentine Green Shopping Centre and Van Hage.

An additional thanks to Riverford Organic who donated fruit for the pupils to have as a morning snack.

Finally and most importantly thank you to all the pupils, teachers and helpers for all your hard

work on your projects and for coming along on the day.