Llanidloes Primary and High schools have a rich history of promoting excellent stewardship of the environment. The Llanidloes Schools Federation has now committed to taking this work to the next level.
Both schools have received the highest Platinum Green Flag Awards for their Eco work. Pupils and staff have engaged in wide-ranging projects to promote a greener planet. Now a new steering committee has been established to promote a zero carbon site at Llanidloes Primary and High Schools. The committee’s far-reaching action plan to become Wales’ first Eco Academy has been approved by the Federation’s Governing Body. The Greek word ‘academy’ refers to a centre of learning or coming together of minds and reflects the steering committee’s ambition to be a flagship for others to follow.
The committee – comprised of pupils, parents, staff and experts from the local community – plans to promote environmental education and give pupils a platform to make positive change. Experts from the Centre of Alternative Technology (CAT) will help pupils evaluate the design of their buildings and grounds, and lead the way to creating a greener, cleaner site for the benefit of the whole community.
The idea was generated following expressions of concern by young people in both schools concerning climate change. The aims of the steering committee include co-construction and delivery of positive, realistic projects that engage the local community and work towards creating a carbon deficit site, as well as integrating environmental learning across the curriculum.
Lisa Stead, a member of staff involved in the project, explained, ‘Llanidloes has a wealth of resources to help this project along the way. Science, technology and maths (STEM) ambassadors, local businesses, community groups in town and a vibrant farming community will create a network to inspire learning and opportunities. Moreover, our locality is rich in Eco initiatives such as the ‘Message in a Bottle’ campaign. Our projects will dovetail well with this excellent work in pursuit of common goals. We look forward to providing updates through the local media as we progress towards making Llanidloes Schools Federation a leading Eco Academy for Wales.’
If anyone would like to contact the group with suggestions, please leave a message for the Llanidloes Eco-Academy Steering Committee at Llanidloes Primary School. Contact teachers Jon Radbourne, Hannah Horrup or Lisa Stead to discuss and project ideas or support.