Head's delight over Birdham Primary School's award
The headteacher of Birdham Primary School has spoken of his delight after his school was named the Most Inspirational Key Stage Two School in the country.
Peter Johnson said the EDF Energy Award for Greener Schools was a 'biggie', which earned the school a visit from former Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones. The school was also presented with a 5,000 cheque.
"I have been at the school for 13 years and this is definitely one of the highlights," said Mr Johnson.
"It's been a good, solid year for achievement at this school.
"Back in June we were given a distinction in the teachers' awards for being the most sustainable primary school in the southeast.
"We were only pipped by a secondary school nationally."
The school, at Crooked Lane, was told it had won in the summer and received a visit from Gethin Jones.
He presented the school's eco-committee with a glass trophy and spent some time touring the school and learning about its environmental projects. The school was also presented with an EDF glass trophy.
Last Friday EDF's head of education Peter Thorn presented the eco-committee with a 5,000 cheque.
The eco-committee consists of two pupils from each year group.
Much praise has been given to the primary school for its environmental achievements in the past year.
It became the first in the south to have toilets which are solely run by rain water and sun power. The toilets are situated at the school's eco-centre.
The school also has a bird webcam, where its pupils monitor the lives of baby chicks.
The project began when 11 fertilised eggs were delivered to the school together with a hatching box, incubator and food supplies. Wildlife and habitats at the school's oxbow lake are always being observed by pupils.
Mr Johnson said: "Our plan is to build on the progress we've made in the school grounds and outside the classroom so other schools can come and visit."
Mr Thorn said: "EDF Energy's Awards for Greener Schools help reward and recognise schools that are already making a real effort to take action against climate change.
"We have a responsibility to encourage the environmental guardians of the future and so it is truly inspiring to see schools such as Birdham introducing such innovative ways of engaging pupils and staff about sustainability."
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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