London: Pupils fly flag for the environment

Eco Committee/Eco Garden pupils from years 8, 9 & 10 with Headteacher, Mr Andrew Prindiville and St Gregory’s Eco Schools Coordinator Mrs Hovey – back left

A school in Kenton, northwest London, has been recognized for its outstanding green credentials for the third consecutive time.

St Gregory’s Catholic Science College is one of only three state maintained secondary schools in London to hold the Eco Schools Green Flag Award.

To earn this accolade, a school must already have achieved bronze and silver awards and must show that they have achieved significant and sustained impact in their school across a number of eco criteria, such as minimising litter and waste, saving energy and embedding the ethos of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” across the school curriculum.

In addition, schools have to show major progress in one project area, which for St Gregory’s is their Eco Garden.

The Award, which was first achieved by St Gregory’s in October 2012, is only valid for two years, after which the school has to reapply to prove that they are maintaining and building upon the Eco Schools’ criteria.

Eco Schools Assessor, Irene De Pasquale, recently visited the school and commented, “Visiting St Gregory’s has been a privilege! ...... I am very impressed with how sustainability is embedded in the curriculum across all subjects. The highlight was definitely the visit to the garden …… Keep up the fantastic work.”

Headteacher, Andrew Prindiville said: “Our whole school community is absolutely delighted to have achieved this award for the third time, reflecting the sustained hard work, commitment and support from pupils, staff and governors combined.”