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Middlewich Infants and Junior School is the most recent award winning school having achieved renewal of Eco School status in February 2000. Prior to this, the junior school achieved the award 2 years ago. The school is full of practical examples of successful environmental projects and is an inspiration for the surrounding community.
The Middlewich Eco-Code 2000 sets the tone of the work:
"Many little things, done by many little people, will change the world".
Save, Protect, Re-use, Repair, Re-cycle, and Think.
The headteacher, Mr Kenyon directs the work, whilst the work is led by teacher, Mrs George.
The school undertakes a range of environmental work inside and outside the classroom. The following is a small selection of projects taken forward in the past couple of years:
An Eco Committee. Since the amalgamation of Middlewich Junior and Infant School in September 1999, the Eco Schools Committee has been expanded to include Key Stage 1. There has been a surge of interest from adults since September, but children still take the lead in meetings. It is their committee and their future. From the beginning of 1999, meetings have been held at lunchtime rather than after school as this suits pupils and adults.
An Environmental Magazine. A magazine written by pupils includes word search, poems, paintings, a quiz, facts, news and information.
Review of Progress. The Eco School Committee carried out a review of the school using the Buildings Environmental Assessment Document. Informal reviews of progress on such matters as litter policy, the playground environment are reviewed at least once a term. Children report on things like whether lights are being left on unnecessarily during the day.
Landscaping and Wildlife. The school has a Wildlife Club who have planted a hedge, cornflower wildlife meadow, woodland planting, bird box watching, pond creation and pond dipping-the list goes on!!.
Environmental Education in the Curriculum. Environmental Education in the curriculum is key to the success of the school. There are 150 children in key stage 1 who cover topics such as seasons, water, time and change, homes and buildings, weather, the local environment and journeys. The work is not divided into subjects but integrated. Key stage 2 involves about 220 children. Environmental education comes in many subjects including geography, science, literacy and history. Art and maths are particularly important in the school.
Environmental Action Days. Action days at the school include practical work (the Countryside Management Service helped build a pond), themed assemblies, poems, singing, recycling toys, litter picks, recycled fashion shows, planting wildflower seeds.
Mrs George, Middlewich County Junior School, Park Road, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 9BS. Tel 01606 738880.
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