Our Junior School has been shortlisted for a prestigious Tes School Award 2019 in the sustainable school category. This nomination recognises the hard work and activities by members of our Junior School Eco Council and teacher, Ms Nemeth, to promote sustainable living.
Established in 2018 to tackle environmental concerns held by pupils, staff and parents, and to make the most of our fantastic grounds, Highgate Junior School Eco Council meets regularly to work on projects, develop ideas and raise whole-school awareness of different issues. For example, to save energy and reduce waste in the classroom, termly class tidiness competitions have been introduced.
Ms Nemeth said: ‘We are thrilled to receive this fantastic news! As a community, we are keen to support our School’s sustainability mission with a passionate commitment to helping pupils develop as environmental citizens and green ambassadors for our planet. Through new curriculum initiatives in our Junior School, we aim to create opportunities for pupils to put their learning into action, to ensure there are opportunities for pupil-voice and pupil-led activity, and to engage with parents and the wider community to make a difference to their local environment.’
Current Eco Council activity includes ensuring School grounds are kept litter free with colour-coded and themed recycling bins, that are proving popular with the pupils, and working with our Pre-Prep Eco School pupils and Senior School Environment Committee to monitor local air pollution.
Highgate Junior School Principal, Mr James, added: ‘Sustainability is at the front and centre of our School priorities. I am very proud of the start we have made in our Junior School but we all know it is just a start. It is vital that we continue to do all we can to stop damaging our environment.’
Tes editor Ann Mroz said: ‘We had a record number of entries this year and the standard was very high, so all those shortlisted should be very proud: it’s an extraordinary achievement to be on this shortlist.’
The Tes School Award 2019 winners will be announced on Friday 21 June.
Picture: Highgate Junior School Eco Council members, with Ms Nemeth, by their eco-noticeboard in our School.
