Pupils at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School have once again been awarded a prestigious Eco-Schools’ Green Flag.

This academic year, students at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School have once again received international accreditation for their exceptional work in promoting sustainability and raising environmental awareness amongst their peers. 

The Eco-Schools programme, established in 1994, is now implemented in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2023-24, more than 1.4 million pupils attended an Eco-School in England. The programme follows a tried-and-trusted seven-step framework, that encourages young people to explore a variety of environmental issues before spearheading environmental action in their school and local community.  

Since Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School first engaged with the Eco-Schools’ programme in 2021, accomplishments have included community litter picks, planting a wildflower meadow, feeding the birds, posters to promote awareness of topics like marine vulnerability and waste, producing an eye-catching piece of art from bottle caps, and creating a wildlife habitat.  

This year pupils impressively built on these achievements by focusing on 3 key issues: waste, water and biodiversity. The Eco-Committee then successfully delivered a diverse range of activities including waste awareness visit to Cawleys (who manage our waste), an RSPCA competition to raise money and the beginnings of an exciting pond as part of our biodiversity project. 

Speaking about their achievements staff member Mrs Mills said, “The students in our school are enthusiastic about looking after the environment for future generations. Our Eco Warriors have had great fun working hard on their projects, knowing that they are making a difference.”   

And pupil Oliva aged 14 stated, “Eco-Schools has been an amazing opportunity. I have made many new friends during this and it really helped with my eloquence and stepping out of my comfort zone. I have really enjoyed doing Eco-Schools.”

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools’ Green Flag is an international benchmark that demonstrates a commitment to fighting climate change and high standard of sustainable practice. Students and staff who earn this award deserve recognition for their dedication toward protecting our planet. Every day, they demonstrate that each of us can contribute to making our planet a better, more sustainable, place.”

To learn more about Eco-Schools head to www.eco-schools.org.uk   

To see what the Eco Warriors at NBS are working on please head to NBS social media pages for regular updates.