Eco-Schools: A scheme to get pupils involved in environmental action
Schools in Central Bedfordshire are encouraged to sign up to Eco-Schools, the global schools' awards scheme that recognises pupil-led environmental action in schools.
We support schools in Central Bedfordshire through this programme with online forums, one-to-one meetings, school visits, localised resources, and funding for any state-funded schools for the assessment fee.
Information for primary schools from the Eco-Schools website
Information for secondary schools and Colleges from the Eco-Schools website
Information about the ten Eco-Schools topics
FAQs from the Eco-Schools website
How we can help
As part of our Sustainability Plan, we can support any Central Bedfordshire schools through the Eco-Schools programme.
Email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for more information on how we can support your school.
Sustainable Student scheme – free student-guided programme for years 10, 11 and 12
This year, we're piloting our free ‘Sustainable Student’ scheme. The student-guided sustainability programme is aimed at year 10, 11 and 12 students who study in Central Bedfordshire, to learn about climate change and environmental issues through action and green skills development.
The hybrid programme will run from November 2024 until June 2025 and include monthly online workshops, an individual project, and guidance around successfully co-ordinating the Eco-Schools programme at your school.
Why should students apply for the programme?
You can:
- increase your knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and green careers
- engage in super-curricular activities to boost self-confidence and increase knowledge for job or university applications
- encourage Eco-Schools engagement and environmental action in your school
- meet like-minded students to share ideas and ask challenging questions around a shared interest
- receive free, useful resources to share and refer to after the programme
Who can apply?
Anyone in years 10, 11 or 12 who:
- attends a school or college in Central Bedfordshire
- attends a school or college who do not currently engage with the Eco-Schools programme
- has an interest in the broad area of sustainability, including environmental, economic, human and/or social impacts
We particularly encourage applications from students with widening participation backgrounds.
Applications are open until 31 October.
For any questions about the programme or your application, please email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
BeGreen Box
Book a free BeGreen Box! We are excited to invite local schools, community groups and residents to use the boxes to explore ways to become greener. Schools can use the box to support their Eco-Schools Green Flag Award application. The boxes include a functioning renewable energy model, a tree science monitor, a solar-powered water fountain, a range of eco-books, and assorted classic games with an environmental twist including snakes and ladders, bingo, and top trumps. The 3 boxes are available to book for 1 week at a time. The boxes are stored at Houghton Regis Library, Flitwick Library, and Shefford Library.
Please note that these boxes can only be used within Central Bedfordshire.
For more information, please email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Eco-Schools topic guides
10 topic guides with one for each of the Eco-Schools topics.
Guides include ideas, case studies from local schools, information about the Green Flag questions, curriculum links, book recommendations and additional resources.
Please email begreen@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to request your free copies.
Why join Eco-Schools?
Eco-Schools:
- is a well-established programme that has existed for over 27 years
- recognises and rewards schools at an international level
- is a good starting point for introducing environmental action in schools
- can save your school money by reducing electricity and gas bills
- is flexible to any school setting
- helps improve your school’s reputation in the local community
- combats eco-anxiety by providing a focus on environmental action
- develops transferable life skills in young people
- empowers young people
What is Eco-Schools?
Eco-Schools is a simple seven-step framework that is designed to be led by students to deliver environmental action in their schools. Schools progress through the seven steps in one academic year to achieve a Green Flag award which is renewed every year. Applications are entirely online. The application window is open from 1 May until 31 July every year.
The 7 steps
Step 1: Eco committee
A group of young people and adults, who are responsible for all things Eco-Schools!
Step 2: Environmental review
Helps to find out what your school is doing well and what could be improved.
Step 3: Action plan
The eco-committee chooses 3 out of 10 topics to focus on.
Step 4: Curriculum links
Teachers integrate eco-issues into lessons. We can provide ideas of curriculum links for the specific topics you choose.
Step 5: Informing and involving
Details of what the school is doing is publicised to the wider school community. The opportunity for the whole school to be involved in some way (e.g. whole-school litter picks).
Step 6: Monitoring and evaluation
Measuring progress towards the goals of the Action Plan and making changes if certain things aren’t working. Good way to link to the curriculum of Maths.
Step 7: Eco-code
A whole school promise to keep protecting our planet.