Our school is proud to be taking part in the Green-Schools Programme again this year. Green-Schools is an international environmental education programme that encourages children to care for the environment through positive, practical action.
Throughout the year, pupils will be learning about sustainability through lessons, projects, and whole-school activities. We will focus on reducing litter and waste, saving energy and water, and making environmentally friendly choices in our daily school life. A Green-Schools Committee, made up of pupils and staff, will lead initiatives, monitor our progress, and help raise awareness across the school community.
We look forward to working together with families to promote environmental responsibility and to continue our journey towards a greener, more sustainable school.
Our Green School Committee
The school has an active Green-Schools Committee, comprising one pupil representative from each class from First to Sixth Class. The committee meets regularly to discuss environmental issues, review progress on current and previous Green-Schools themes, and plan actions across the school. Members act as Green-Schools ambassadors, sharing information with their classmates and encouraging positive environmental behaviours throughout the school community.
Global Citizenship Litter and Waste Survey One
As part of the Global Citizenship theme, pupils completed a baseline Global Citizenship survey to gauge their existing knowledge and understanding before beginning formal learning in this area. The survey gathered pupils’ views on topics such as fairness, responsibility, environmental care and global awareness. The results were used to identify strengths and gaps in understanding and to inform future teaching and actions, ensuring that learning activities are age-appropriate, meaningful and responsive to pupils’ needs.
The following is an explanation of the results of each question.
1. Would your family consider getting second-hand items instead of buying a new item?
The majority of pupils indicated that their family would consider buying second-hand items, showing an emerging awareness of reuse and sustainability. A smaller group were unsure or said no, suggesting further learning is needed around the environmental benefits of re-use.
2. Do you know of any community clean-ups taking place in your area?
Most pupils were aware of community clean-ups in their local area, indicating strong local environmental awareness. This suggests that environmental action is visible and valued within the wider community.
3. If so, have you taken part in a community clean-up?
While many pupils reported having taken part in a clean-up, a notable number had not yet participated. This highlights an opportunity for the school to further promote active involvement in community environmental initiatives.
4. Do you recognise this logo? (Fairtrade)
The majority of pupils recognised the Fairtrade logo, demonstrating good awareness of ethical trade symbols. This reflects positive exposure to Fairtrade concepts through school and home contexts.
5. Are Fairtrade products used or sold in your school?
Many pupils were aware that Fairtrade products are used or sold in the school, though some were unsure. This indicates a need to make Fairtrade practices within the school more explicit to pupils.
6. Can you name a locally grown seasonal fruit or vegetable that is available now?
A large number of pupils were able to correctly name locally grown seasonal produce, showing good understanding of seasonal and local food choices. This reflects effective learning in the area of sustainability and food awareness.
7. Can you give an example of a way you are connected to people from the Global South?
Pupils gave a wide range of responses, including imports, Fairtrade products, charities, and family consumption habits, indicating a developing understanding of global interdependence. Some pupils were unsure, highlighting the need for further structured learning in this area.
8. Have you ever used your voice to speak out on global justice issues?
Most pupils reported that they had not yet used their voice to speak out on global justice issues. This suggests a clear opportunity to empower pupils through age-appropriate actions such as campaigns, class discussions, and school-based advocacy.
Litter and Waste Audit One
The Global Goals for Sustainable Development
As part of our recent Wellbeing Assembly, pupils were introduced to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. The children learned that these global goals aim to make the world a fairer, safer and healthier place for everyone by protecting people, communities and the planet 🌍. The assembly encouraged pupils to think about how their everyday actions in school and at home can help care for the world and support the wellbeing of others.
Fair Trade
The Junior Room has been learning about Fair Trade and what it means to trade fairly with people around the world 🌍. The children explored a world map and discovered where everyday goods such as bananas, coffee, tea and chocolate come from. They learned that Fair Trade helps farmers and workers in other countries to earn a fair price for their work and supports better living and working conditions. They became familiar with the logo so that they can recognise it in the future.
The Senior Room recently took part in an engaging online workshop with the Irish Aid Centre, where pupils learned about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The workshop helped the children develop an understanding of global issues such as poverty, inequality, climate action, and sustainability, and encouraged them to think about how their actions can make a positive difference in the world. It was an informative and interactive experience that supported our school’s ongoing work in global citizenship and wellbeing.