Our Eco-Schools programme was begun in 1995 and grew steadily until it became impossible for one person to manage the demands of the programme. In 2005, we received funding from the Welsh assembly Government, which meant that several exciting developments could take place.
We currently receive £350,000 (E. 525K) per year via three Government departments: The Environment division, Countryside Council for Wales , and Waste Awareness Wales. This has allowed us to employ eight staff – five regional officers, two administrative workers and a national manager. Schools now have a locally-based Officer as well as local authority support workers and links with various environmental groups.

The Welsh Assembly Government decided upon a unique A new Handbook was produced in both Welsh and English languages, and support CD-ROMs have been produced: “Teach ! ESDGC” and “The Waste Education Pack”. These are aimed at new teachers and Education students at University seminars. The Handbook is now also available as a CD-ROM and as an on-line document.

We have recently developed a new website, which has lots of features, including an Eco-Committee ‘chat room', a big ‘useful contacts' list and the ability to register and apply for awards on-line. Please visit our site on: www.eco-schoolswales.org

There are currently 1550 registered Eco-Schools in Wales, which is about 85% of the total. They include all types from kindergarten to High School College. 250 of these have Green Flag status, with many of them achieving several flags over time. We have designed a ‘Platinum' trophy for schools gaining 4 Green Flags, and which have covered all eight themes (Water, Energy-saving, Sustainable Transport, Litter, Waste Minimisation, Healthy Living, Global Citizenship, School Grounds Development).
We have recently received the final report of a wide-ranging independent research and evaluation of the programme.
This involved postal questionnaires to all Eco-Schools and 80 non-registered schools, and in-depth interviews with Eco-Committees, parents and key environmental stakeholders. “… All 479 schools that contributed to the evaluation saw the ethos of Eco-Schools as important, and the overall response was extremely positive. There is a strong evidence of a significant impact from the project on the behaviour of schools and pupils.” The full details will be published on our website in September 2007.

We have held some major events during the year. A National Awards ceremony was held at the Millennium Stadium in the capital, Cardiff . 100 schools took part. ‘Eco-School of the Year' trophies were awarded to Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools, with long-term commitment certificates given to encourage all schools who had gained their third Green Flag. The Minister for the Environment presented the awards, and a celebrity TV announcer read out the citations.

Special Awards were also presented for Waste Minimisation and School Grounds Development. Next year will see the addition of a ‘Water Efficiency' award, sponsored by Welsh Water.

Another successful event was the ‘Eisteddfod' in June. This is a national cultural and musical event which celebrates the Welsh language and traditions. At the Eco-Schools exhibit, over 750 visitors tied planet pledges to our ‘Promise Wall' and nearly 300 school pupils from all over Wales took part in a Litter and recycling quiz.

Gerry Taylor
Eco-Schools Manager for Wales ( UK )