Enthusiastic environmental campaigners rewarded

A positive impact is being made on the environment at a Lincolnshire school by a team of enthusiastic volunteers.

An Eco-Committee has been established at Somercotes Academy to enable students to have a direct say in green issues and inspire others to follow their lead.

Curriculum Leader of Science Laura Taylor said the team has focused on the three key issues of recycling, energy consumption and litter.

"Their positive impact has been felt in the academy and also in the local community," she said.

"Their enthusiasm has held no bounds and, as a staff team, we are supporting their considerable efforts."

In Science, the committee organised an interhouse competition; each student producing a poster on the three topics with winning entries displayed around the school.

In Years 7 to 10, each class will have a focus lesson. Chemistry will look at recycling, Physics energy saving, and Biology litter.

A litter pick has taken place in the community while labels have been designed and placed on each light switch in the Academy, reminding staff to turn off lights.

The Eco-Committee has sourced paper recycling bins for all classrooms and offices, with the paper taken to be recycled at the end of each week.

This aims to make visible the amount of paper wasted and encourage staff and students to use less, said Laura.

The group has formed links with Art, producing projects using recycled materials, and Geography highlights the committee's work while looking at climate change.

Parents have been most supportive of the committee.

One said: "Anything that draws students' attention and improves the understanding of our environment and promotes the reduction in waste must be to the good of the future.

"Making young people aware at an early age allows them to have an impact on future generations."

Another parent commented: "By having an Eco Committee I am hoping it will raise awareness for the whole school as to what actions can be taken to protect our environment.

"I am proud we have a generation who feels that this is important and is willing to do something."

During the litter pick in the community, a resident, Miss Justice, was pleased to see the students doing something for the environment.

"I am immensely proud of our local students for forming the Eco Committee and supporting our local community by participating in a collective litter pick," she said.

"The young people are the future of our society who will make difference and change. By choosing to litter pick in the park football teams, dog walkers and families will benefit greatly, as well as wildlife and nature."

The students said: "We have enjoyed being part of the Eco Committee. We can see the impact it is having around school. Even if it's just turning lights off, little things make a big difference.

"It was hard work at the beginning because everything was new and we had to start from scratch. However, now we can see the difference we are making and going out and doing litter picks people can see what we are doing and want to get involved."

Principal Jake Bailey said the Academy was proud of the Eco Committee's work.

"This is about our young people being given a say on issues that are incredibly important to them and their futures," he said.

"We are pleased to support the Eco Committee in its efforts which have made a big impact around the school and on attitudes of children and staff."