Pupils at The Polygon have once again been awarded a coveted Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag is an international accreditation that recognises efforts to raise environmental awareness amongst young people, whilst taking action to make their school more sustainable. The Polygon has now retained its status as an accredited Eco-School, following their achievement last year.  

The Eco-Schools programme was established in 1994 and is now delivered in more than 70 countries across the globe. Our partner school in Iceland, Húsaskóli, also has the award and over the years we have shared ideas on this programme.  The programme prompts young people to explore a variety of environmental issues, including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Pupils are then empowered to plan and deliver environmental actions in their school, local community, and beyond.

Since The Polygon began working towards an Eco-Schools Green Flag during 2017, achievements have included working on the allotment, reducing the school’s electricity consumption and encouraging wildlife into the school grounds. 

During this academic year, pupils at The Polygon have built on these strong foundations, collaborating with Mrs Newman to work on three Eco-Schools topics: Biodiversity, waste, and water.  Pupils planned a variety of projects including; climate change investigations, fossil fuels research, litter picking and recycling mobile phones through the Green phone enterprise project.

Staff member Mrs Newman said:

“All the students have been very enthusiastic about the projects we have worked on this year, the students enjoyed litter picking and visiting Southampton’s only Geo thermal plant, a group have also worked with an outside agency to learn about waste produced from making model phones.”

A pupil said:

”I have enjoyed being involved in all the project this year and have learned a lot.”

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools Green Flag award is an internationally recognised symbol of high environmental standards. The pupils and school staff that earn the award deserve immense credit for their hard work, determination, and creativity. Their passion for protecting our planet is an inspiration to us all ”.

To learn more about Eco-Schools head to www.eco-schools.org.uk