The Independent Schools Council is a politically independent, not-for-profit organisation representing 1,270 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. It exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education, developing talent at all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.
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- Blog Eco schools – ISC schools get involved in debate
Eco schools – ISC schools get involved in debate
Written by Hayley DunlopLast month, the Evening Standard printed an artist’s impression for the most expensive school ever to be built in Britain’ (The £72m school , Evening Standard). The Holland Park School in Kensington, which is apparently referred to as ‘the Eton of comprehensives’, is currently awaiting planning permission for a £72.6million rebuild. As with all new school buildings, this proposed development promises to be eco-friendly. Indeed, the government wants every school to be a sustainable school by 2020 as part of its 2006 Sustainable Schools Framework.
So what are independent schools doing? At the end of January, the Girls Schools Association (GSA), in association with The Cheltenham Ladies’ College, proved that the independent sector is ready to tackle the issues of the environment with the first ever ‘Global Caring Conference’. The conference focused on the environmental challenges the world faces today and called for the girls to use their leadership skills to become involved.
Get angry about climate change. That was the gist of Jonathon Porritt’s keynote address. Porritt is co-founder of Forum for the Future, and an eminent writer, broadcaster and commentator on sustainable development. Indeed, the level of UK public awareness of environmental issues and the government’s engagement in environmental issues today is in large part down to Jonathon’s uncompromising stance over the last decade.
Professor K Vala Ragnarsdottir, Professor of Environmental Sustainability at Bristol University explained how she had come to work on issues affecting climate change. She urged girls to take action fast, as soon it will be too late.
Former international swimmer Simone Mann and co-founding director of Cheltenham-based Commercial Group – one of the first companies of its kind to become carbon neutral – was the final speaker of the day. Simone spoke inspiringly of the practical steps she took to make her company carbon neutral and the ways the business has benefited as a result – no doubt inspiring schools to follow suit. Lunch continued the sustainability theme, with all ingredients sourced from within a 25-mile radius of Cheltenham.Over 200 pupils and staff from 52 GSA schools attended the conference, with everyone taking part in a dynamic post-lunch workshop to share ideas and create action plans on how they could make a positive impact on the environment within their own schools. Ideas included conducting a carbon dioxide audit, introducing ‘Fairtrade’ status for schools and using the search engine Blackle.com. The girls left the conference highly motivated, determined to make a difference and focused on one of the key messages from Jonathon Porritt – there is very little time and it is their generation that needs to take action.Schools can learn more about becoming sustainable and more environmentally aware at http://www.eco-schools.org.uk.
What is your school doing to be more environmentally friendly? Leave us a comment to let us know…
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