St Peter’s CE School wins Shropshire Schools Sustainability Award 2013

St Peter’s CE Primary School in Wem was named the winner of this year’s Shropshire Schools Sustainability Award after a record number of entrants competed for the prize.

The annual award celebrates the efforts of schools across Shropshire to improve and engage pupils in their school and wider environment with challenges of sustainability. Schools were keen to show off their work around energy, water and waste, alongside several food growing projects.

St Peter’s came out ahead of the tough competition thanks to their exceptional standard of activities which involved the wider community as well as the entire school. The focus of their projects was on energy and waste.

Their prize was a day visit by the Rainforest Roadshow, who showed the school tribal artwork and creepy crawlies. They also spoke to the children about the importance of the rainforest and biodiversity to our daily lives and sustainability.

The school will also be receiving a further prize of some fruit bushes and materials to help them keep their projects going in the future.

There were joint second prize winners – Crowmoor and St George’s (Clun) primary schools – while Trefonen Primary School were awarded third place. These schools will be receiving a range of prizes including: water butts, energy meters, weather stations, fruit bushes, plants and seeds.

Councillor Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said:

“I am delighted with the progress Shropshire schools are making to become more sustainable. The quality of applications from schools across Shropshire showed that how important to staff and pupils across the county the issue of sustainability is to them.

“It makes sense economically as well as environmentally to reduce carbon emissions and I’m thrilled schools are helping to contribute to the 35% reduction in emissions the council has pledged to achieve by 2014, and that we all have to be active to make a difference”

Ruth Hudson, sustainability officer for Shropshire Council, was also full of praise, saying:

“These schools are models for the future. Their awareness of the need to act and live sustainably is fantastic and they are acting on this, making positive changes to their school and local communities. Through their efforts, young people have ensured their schools are more stimulating places to learn, demonstrating what can be done with enthusiasm.

“Changes have focused on improving school grounds, using less water and energy using alternative forms of energy, producing less waste and improving recycling as well as understanding more about food origins and healthy eating. The results are creating healthier lifestyles.”

The Shropshire Sustainable Schools Award was launched in 2010 at the Shropshire Sustainable Schools Conference, replacing the Mike Sprackling Award but remaining in memory of him.

It celebrates schools becoming ‘Sustainable Schools’ and recognises the innovative work and activity schools do and their links with the wider community.