The Eco-Schools programme is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment. It is a recognised award scheme that accredits schools who make a commitment to continuously improve their environmental performance.
The aim of the Eco-Schools programme is to make environmental awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of the school for both pupils and for staff, and to engage the wider community.
The Eco Schools in Edinburgh initiative ties in with other school-based campaigns such as Safer Routes to School, Health Promoting Schools, Enterprise in Education, Grounds for Awareness and Active Schools. The programme also links well with “Curriculum for Excellence”, encouraging cross curricular, rich learning experiences.
At Portobello High School, the Eco Schools programme is put into practice by the eco committee, a group of pupils, staff and parents who meet monthly to develop the committee’s action plan. The eco team is a group of largely senior pupils who take responsibility for working on each action on a weekly basis.
Our Achievements
Portobello High School has become the first secondary school in Scotland to achieve the prestigious Eco Schools Green Flag status for the fourth time. The coveted Green Flag is awarded to schools who exhibit proactive environmental work covering topics such as water, health and wellbeing, waste management, litter, transport, school grounds, biodiversity and energy.
Since gaining the fourth Green Flag, pupils from the eco committee have been asked to open the Eco Schools International Operators Meeting on 20 November 2010 in Edinburgh. Our pupils welcomed delegates from the 51 countries involved with Eco Schools to Scotland and showcased some of the work the committee has done.
