Eco-Schools: A scheme to get pupils involved in environmental action
Schools in Central Bedfordshire are encouraged to sign up to Eco-Schools, the global schools' awards scheme that recognises pupil-led environmental action in schools.
We support schools in Central Bedfordshire through this programme with online forums, one-to-one meetings, school visits, localised resources, and funding for any state-funded schools for the assessment fee.
Information for primary schools from the Eco-Schools website
Information for secondary schools and Colleges from the Eco-Schools website
Information about the ten Eco-Schools topics
FAQs from the Eco-Schools website
How we can help
As part of our Sustainability Plan (PDF), we can support any Central Bedfordshire schools through the Eco-Schools programme.
Email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for more information on how we can support your school.
BeGreen Box
Book a free BeGreen Box! We are excited to invite local schools, community groups and residents to use the boxes to explore ways to become greener. Schools can use the box to support their Eco-Schools Green Flag Award application. The boxes include a functioning renewable energy model, a tree science monitor, a solar-powered water fountain, a range of eco-books, and assorted classic games with an environmental twist including snakes and ladders, bingo, and top trumps. The 3 boxes are available to book for 1 week at a time. The boxes are stored at Houghton Regis Library, Flitwick Library, and Shefford Library.
Please note that these boxes can only be used within Central Bedfordshire.
For more information, please email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Eco-Schools topic guides
10 topic guides with one for each of the Eco-Schools topics.
Guides include ideas, case studies from local schools, information about the Green Flag questions, curriculum links, book recommendations and additional resources.
Please email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to request your free copies.
Why join Eco-Schools?
Eco-Schools:
- is a well-established programme that has existed for over 27 years
- recognises and rewards schools at an international level
- is a good starting point for introducing environmental action in schools
- can save your school money by reducing electricity and gas bills
- is flexible to any school setting
- helps improve your school’s reputation in the local community
- combats eco-anxiety by providing a focus on environmental action
- develops transferable life skills in young people
- empowers young people
What is Eco-Schools?
Eco-Schools is a simple seven-step framework that is designed to be led by students to deliver environmental action in their schools. Schools progress through the seven steps in one academic year to achieve a Green Flag award which is renewed every year. Applications are entirely online. The application window is open from 1 May until 31 July every year.
The 7 steps
Step 1: Eco committee
A group of young people and adults, who are responsible for all things Eco-Schools!
Step 2: Environmental review
Helps to find out what your school is doing well and what could be improved.
Step 3: Action plan
The eco-committee chooses 3 out of 10 topics to focus on.
Step 4: Curriculum links
Teachers integrate eco-issues into lessons. We can provide ideas of curriculum links for the specific topics you choose.
Step 5: Informing and involving
Details of what the school is doing is publicised to the wider school community. The opportunity for the whole school to be involved in some way (e.g. whole-school litter picks).
Step 6: Monitoring and evaluation
Measuring progress towards the goals of the Action Plan and making changes if certain things aren’t working. Good way to link to the curriculum of Maths.
Step 7: Eco-code
A whole school promise to keep protecting our planet.