Dunhurst pledge to protect the planet
Bedales Prep, Dunhurst has reaffirmed its commitment to protect the planet by relaunching their involvement in the Eco-Schools Programme.
Pupils at Dunhurst previously threw their support behind the Eco-Schools Programme, which engages young people in environmental education and action, and were even awarded the prestigious Green Flag for their efforts in November 2019. However, as COVID meant the programme was scaled back across the world, Dunhurst’s progress was also put on hold.
Head of Outdoor Work Ryan Walsh relaunched Dunhurst’s commitment to the Eco-Schools Programme last week by talking to pupils in assembly, reminding them of the school’s focus on global citizenship, litter and biodiversity, and encouraging them to consider joining the new Dunhurst Eco Committee. As an extra incentive to get involved, pupils have been invited to take part in a competition to design a poster to raise the profile of Eco-Schools and environmental issues.
As part of Dunhurst’s commitment to the programme, pupils will join Ryan every Wednesday break time to litter pick around the school. The Eco Committee will also meet every half term to discuss environmental issues, progress and ideas, and report these to School Council.
Ryan Walsh said: “I am delighted to be relaunching our commitment to the Eco-Schools Programme. We were so proud to be awarded the Green Flag two years ago and now restrictions have been eased, I am keen to keep our good work going. With our Outdoor Work curriculum addressing biodiversity and our thriving Community Service and Helping Other People in Trouble (HOPiT) schemes covering global citizenship, we are very well placed to meet and exceed our targets.”
The Eco-Schools Programme is a seven-step framework that schools, nurseries and colleges around the world use to introduce, manage and complete environmental actions in their organisation and local community. The programme encourages action around ten topics, from which Dunhurst focus on three. Find out more about the Eco-Schools Programme here.
Outdoor Work at Bedales Prep, Dunhurst | Eco-Schools Programme