Ysgol y Gwernant renews its green credentials

* Children at Ysgol y Gwernant with their Platinum Flag certificate.

Pupils at Ysgol y Gwernant  have proven their green credentials after being awarded a top eco award.

The school has renewed the prestigious Platinum Flag Award for the second time as part of the environmental education programme Eco-Schools.

Eco-Schools is an international programme run in Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy and funded by the Welsh Government. Over 90% of schools in Wales are registered on the programme.

The programme inspires and empowers pupils to be leaders of change in their community, helping them learn about sustainable living and global citizenship while giving them the information and support they need to make changes that will benefit their school, local environment and wider community, such as reducing waste, energy consumption, transport, biodiversity, healthy living and litter issues.

As part of their Eco-Schools Platinum assessment, Ysgol Y Gwernant promoted recycling, completed litter picks within the community, reduced the use of plastic within the school and encouraged it within local shops in town.

They also monitored taps, computer screens and lighting daily to reduce energy and water within the school, held regular gardening clubs and community gardening, promoted eco themes in the whole school assemblies throughout the year and much more. 

Catrin Hughes, Education Officer for Keep Wales Tidy said: “The Platinum Flag is a very impressive achievement and highlights the enthusiasm and commitment that Ysgol y Gwernant has towards sustainable development. 

"The dedication of the Eco-Committee over many years has been inspirational. I’d like to congratulate and thank all of the pupils and staff involved for their hard work.”