06 July 2010 Empowering students to effect change
The Guardian's partnership with the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school in north London helps prepare students to act as advocates of sustainability The word inclusive could have been coined to describe Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school (EGA). The multi-faith school in Islington, north London has a roll of 900 girls aged 11-16 who between them muster 62 different languages. Labelled "outstanding" in its last Ofsted report, the school draws pupils from a wide catchment area and new arrivals will often include children in care and those seeking asylum. The collaboration between EGA and the Guardian began nine years ago with a mentoring programme between pupils and Guardian staff. It has now developed into a full-blown partnership. In 2008, the Guardian facilitated the launch of Eco-Mission, a project aimed at creating a sustainability and climate change programme which was rolled out in February 2009. Eco-Mission is led by a student action team, whose members have devised and implemented a series of workshops and projects. These include food and biodiversity, a home energy audit, a kitchen waste project, a "power down" campaign and a cultural food garden. The latter aims at providing high quality fruit and vegetables for sale to the school kitchens. Profits are ploughed back into the project. EGA's assistant headteacher, Teresa Owusubonsu, says the project has brought the school together, with students and staff gaining a better understanding of the need to cut down on their carbon use: "The students feel empowered, realising they can effect change and influence those around them; at school and in their homes and communities." The Eco-Mission project has been recognised by the Sustainable Schools Framework, set up in 2006, by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to "guide schools on their sustainable journey". Last year, EGA won bronze and silver awards in the Eco-Schools programme, which links 40,000 schools in 46 countries. The Eco-Mission action team now have the coveted DCSF Green Flag award in their sights. The school has also received high-level political recognition. Last year, it was chosen to host a visit by Michelle Obama. During the visit, a year 11 student gave a presentation on student participation in school decision-making which referred to the school's environment programmes. For the full news article and to be taken to the website, click here | 
