25 April 2012

Hippo hooray as pupils seek green award
Eco-Friendly students at a city primary school are doing their bit for the environment and hoping to gain an award in the process

Pupils at Oreston Community Academy, who take part in the Eco Club, are busy working towards gaining a green flag at the next Eco Schools Awards.

One of the categories to be eligible for the flag is to make progress in reducing water usage at the school.

The pupils, ranging in age from five to 11-years-old, are working with teachers and the school site manager to make the building much more eco-friendly.

Two small 3,000 litre water butts have already been installed to use on the school allotment and a further two 10,000 litre water butts have recently been installed outside the year five and six conservatory for school usage.

Megan Hartley, a Key Stage One teacher and Eco Co-ordinator, said: "We have a box in one of the classrooms with a light that comes on to show the children when water from the butts is being used £ it's a really visual way for the students to see their efforts in action.

"We also recently had Hippo Bags installed in the school toilets as a result of discussions with the pupils. They are fitted in behind the toilet unit and reduce the amount of water used when the toilet is flushed £ it's very cheap but very effective."

The students are now looking to have solar panels installed on all the roofs in the school, and the school pond has been redone with a recycled floor and seating area.

Ms Hartley said: "As a school being eco-friendly is very important to us because the children feel like they're doing their bit to help save the plant. They then go home and relay the message to their family and friends £ it's nice to see the children wanting to help in such a big way."

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