Blackheath High School awarded Eco-Schools Green Flag for second consecutive year

Blackheath High School has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag for a second consecutive year

The school achieved this accolade with Distinction, highlighting its continued commitment to environmental education and action.

To receive the Green Flag award, students at Blackheath High School completed a seven-step process that included forming an eco-committee, conducting an environmental review, and creating an action plan.

This year, the girls’ plan focused on biodiversity, waste and energy use. The students held an ‘eco-day’ event to announce their plan to the rest of the school and to create momentum for their initiatives.

To beautify the environment around their school, students cleared weeds and nettles around the senior school pond. They also added a compost bin and introduced bird, bee, and hedgehog houses to support the area’s wildlife.

The students continued their waste initiative from the previous year and organised a litter-picking event in their community. By installing energy monitors, the girls helped Blackheath High School be more mindful about its energy usage and taught the students simple ways to conserve energy at school and at home.

The students also opted to walk to the PE field to encourage sustainable transport, promoted effective recycling and limited single-use plastic at the school.

In addition to their action plan, the students planned educational activities to supplement the school’s environmental curriculum, such as inviting a member of the WWF to speak at Blackheath High School and learning about the regulatory impact of COP26.

Natalie Argile, acting had of Blackheath High School said: “It is a testament to our girls’ amazing hard work and dedication that we have been awarded this prestigious award for a second year. At Blackheath High School, we are always looking for fun and engaging ways to raise awareness of environment issues. We will continue to work together to make the world a better, greener place.”

Head of Eco Club at Blackheath High School, Ann Bijnens said: “I’m ecstatic! The Eco Club is committed to making Blackheath High School a sanctuary where nature can thrive. I’ve loved watching students care for the natural world and admire their commitment to raising awareness for the urgent need to protect nature. This award is so deserved by each and every one of them.”

Caitlin Murphy and Hannah Schelfthout, members of Blackheath High School’s Eco-club said: “We are so proud of our eco-club for all their efforts to make Blackheath High School a more environmentally friendly school.

“We have loved learning more about the environment and carrying out hands-on activities to make a positive impact on the planet and a noticeable improvement right here in our local community.”