GREEN FLAG
| Flagpoles for Green Flags |
Information from Chris Smith, Development Services, received in March 2008:
Development Services across Fife have been accepting Education Service related flagpoles on/in school grounds as Permitted Development provided they do not exceed 4 metres in height, are not physically attached to Listed Buildings, and obviously do not exceed £100,000 in value as a Council Development.
In light of the above and from the information submitted (and in the interests of consistency) I would consider this proposal to be Permitted Development and as such Planning Permission would not be required.
I would however suggest that the pole is as distant as possible from any adjacent residential properties to avoid complaints regarding flag weights rattling against poles or the flutter of flags etc - it does happen. If the pole is to be erected nearby, then it would be a good PR exercise to advise neighbours in advance.
Madras College is now an Ecoschool!
Being awarded the Green Flag by Keep Scotland Beautiful has been one of the most prestigious international achievements we have attained this year. There are only three secondary schools in Fife who have one and acquiring one is not that easy.
What did we have to do to earn it? Well, firstly we had to form 2 Ecoclubs, one at each site. Once we had a good number of pupils on board we had to do an Environmental Audit and we worked closely with our Guidance department to do this in some Social Education lessons. The Eco-Schools Programme is focused around nine key environmental topics. These are litter, waste, school grounds, biodiversity, healthy living, energy, water, transport and global perspectives. 500 questionnaires were distributed throughout the year groups and every one came back. Using the information the pupils gave us, we were then able to focus on a number of specific items. The Ecoclubs worked with the pupil councils to form an Eco-committee and we were very lucky to have Grace Morris, Fife ’s previous Ecoschools coordinator on board, as well as dedicated members of staff and an expert, prize winning gardener, Mr Hamish Matheson.
After the review, we created an Eco Action Plan which we could monitor at every stage. We had to ensure that we linked activities to the 3-18 curricula and the Curriculum for Excellence, and that we involved the wider community. The S1-3 Ecoclub produced an “eco- code” which is to be seen all over the school. A Green Flag award is granted on completion of these seven elements to the satisfaction of an assessment visit. We were visited on the 28 th May by two Ecoschools assessors - Kate Campbell (the manager of Eco-Schools Scotland) and Kirsten Leask (Senior Officer). This is what they had to say about the pupils:
“We were both extremely impressed by the confidence, knowledge and enthusiasm demonstrated by the pupils on both Committees. The school has undertaken some very good work which involved pupils from both sites in eco projects, such as the Madras in Bloom competition, plant sales, the designs for the South Street garden area, and the excellent work being done by the department of Special Education. Their Fair-trade Tuck Shop, CDT work on projects to enhance the school’s biodiversity, and work in the school’s greenhouse, are excellent examples of linking eco-schools work to the everyday curriculum, as was the English department’s project on the impact of plastic bags. We were also very impressed by the fact that the Kilrymont Committee included a journalist, whose remit included liaison with the local press and school newsletter.”
Praise indeed! The great thing about the award of ECO-SCHOOL is that it sends a message to the whole community that we are serious about environmental issues and that we are actively trying to do something about it. The main changes we have seen are that litter has much improved, there are many more bins and the rubbish can be sorted. Paper Recycling has improved this year. Although it is the responsibility of register teachers to empty the paper rubbish one day a week at both sites, the Ecoclubs have been helping out here too. We are even developing a system involving the internet to highlight rooms that need attention. This was trialled successfully with the senior pupils last year and will be used at both sites from the beginning of next term.
At Kilrymont the greenhouse is now a proper base of operations and the DSE have produced a beautiful flower bed under the supervision of Mr Matheson, with most of the plants being grown from seed. As well as this the Madras College Enterprise Committee have designed and planted a number of tubs for Hope Park church, in the centre of town. Our Skills for Work cohort have also been busy building picnic benches and other materials for future use within the school. They have also helped to refurbish parts of our Glen Farg bothy.
Hopefully the most notable changes are just about to happen. We hope to completely renovate two areas at South Street shortly and have been in communication with a local builder to discuss the work done by the CDT department and the Eco-committees. The aim is to convert two disused areas into more social, useful and educational areas. We are already excited by the possibilities!
One of the best things to come about from the work both Ecoclubs have undertaken is the fantastic mix of pupils we have had and what they have done together. It’s not just been restricted to a handful of like-minded students but an enormous variety of pupils with different interests and ideas have all contributed in all sorts of ways. This has made the experience richer for all concerned and highlights just how Environmental Issues affect ALL of us. It should also be noted that without the help of many of our staff, the janitors and cleaners none of this would have been possible and that we are very lucky to have such a supportive Parent Council with whom we’ll be working more closely in future. We look forward to integrating cross curricular aspects even more next year also. We’re looking forward to next term already.
Mr Fox (Joint Eco-Schools Coordinator)
June, 2008
Rosslyn School - 1st Green Flag
Rosslyn School in Kirkcaldy are delighted that they have been awarded their first Green Flag from Eco-Schools Scotland. Rosslyn School is the first Additional Support Needs School in Fife to gain the award.
The pupils at Rosslyn who have complex and additional support needs have worked very hard with their wider community to spread the "Eco message" and have helped others to be more environmentally aware and Eco-friendly. Head Teacher, Paul Meijer, commented, "this has been a huge effort by everyone in the School, Pupils, Staff and our neighbours. Monica Holland, Class Teacher has worked tirelessly to keep the school on track and she has been supported by all the Staff and my thanks go to everyone for their sustained efforts".
The work continues now for the School to ensure that their efforts are focussed in order to achieve a second Green Flag in the future.
Tayport Primary School - 1st Green Flag
Tayport Primary registered for the Eco Schools Award Scheme in February 2005 and celebrated being awarded Green Flag Status in early September 2006.
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Planters, picnic tables and benches have brightened up the vast tarmac playground area and, working with the visiting teacher of Art and Design, pupils have painted one of the shelters on the theme of ‘Children around the world'. A small quadrangle area within the school has been redesignated as ‘the Secret Garden’. Its walls now depict a Rousseau theme and the area is now equipped with a small greenhouse, compost bin, cold frame and staging - made from recycled wood and nails – ready for planting, sowing and propagating activities in the Spring. |
Paper, aluminium cans, plastic bottles, mobile phones and inkjet and toner cartridges are all recycled. Fruit waste is added to the compost bin. Recycling bins, requested from Fife Council, have been placed in the front playground area so that the pupils, parents and other members of the community can use them.
The school also operates a very popular Healthy Tuckshop. Representatives form the pupil Council and the ECO Committee along with parent, staff and community members make up the Health Promoting Schools Working Group which recently organised a highly successful Health Week with community involvement.
Exciting plans are in the pipeline for 2007, including the formation of a Gardening Club, further improvement of the playground environment, extending community links, whole school involvement in producing a litter policy and the development of the School Travel Plan.
Canmore Primary School - 1st Green Flag
Pupils, staff and parents of Canmore Primary School were delighted to be awarded their first green flag on Thursday 23 rd November. The children in the Eco Committee have done an excellent job to ensure that everyone was involved in making the school a greener place. Here are some of the activities they have undertaken to be Eco-friendly: |
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- Recycle paper, batteries, ink cartridges, clothes
- Created a new garden by using recycled materials
- Organised a Green Day to help raise funds for the garden
- Set up a Healthy Tuck Shop
- Set up a Litter Campaign to make sure that everyone in the school knew they were responsible for keeping our school litter free
- Used our Eco Schools £250 grant to buy a Tidy Bear Bin and garden tools
- Monitored how much electricity their wind turbine generates
- Held a whole school Assembly on Global Footprints
Elie Primary School - 2 Green Flags
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The school had a final push for eco status in the summer term of 2006 and had great fun doing it! They were awarded their flag on the 14th June. For their ‘Day of Action’ the school organised a beach clean-up, made up smoothies recipes, chilled out with yoga lessons, had a wildlife treasure hunt and planted up the vegetable garden and the flower tubs around the school. Ellie Primary School successfully gained its second Green Flag in June 2008. |
Beanstalk Nursery - 2 Green Flags
| The Beanstalk Nursery were awarded with their first Green Flag in May 2006 and they were presented with the flag in June at the Big Tent Event in Falkland, which was an excellent day out. The boys and girls have been very busy and have just recently held another Eco Open Day when parents and grandparents were encouraged to leave their cars at home and walk to nursery then spend some time in the areas. The children were only too happy to show all their visitors how good they were at making paper mache pots, planting bulbs, making birdcakes and litter picking. |
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The children showed how they relax by doing yoga and lots of other activities were on offer including healthy eating and recycling.
The nursery managed to sell 200 re-useable “wee green pokes” which our children and parents will use instead of carrier bags when shopping.
The sessions were finished with the children singing “The Dustbin” song – all about recycling. It was a busy day but very successful.
Beanstalk Nursery successfully gained its second Green Flag on 24 April 2008.
Woodlands Nursery - 2 Flags
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MINI eco-warriors from Woodlands Nursery in Methil have been working hard to ensure their nursery is as environmentally friendly as possible. Diane Burns, Eco-schools Co-ordinator, said that the children had learned a variety of ways in which to care for the environment. "As well as little things like picking up litter and recycling mobile phones and ink cartridges, we have been saving ring-pulls and stamps, and recycling old towels to use as paint clothes", she explained. |
"The youngsters also bring things like empty cereal boxes into the nursery to make jewellery boxes, and this year we have even planted a garden with vegetables that we can use for snacks".
"The children have even had the chance to dress up like postmen for the day and help deliver letters asking people for goods to recycle".
The youngsters, and everyone involved with the school, were very excited when they were presented with the eco-flag, which will take pride of place in the nursery.
Woodlands Nursery Centre and Family Unit gained its second Eco School Green Flag on Friday 30th May 2008.
Well done to all the children, parents and carers and staff who have supported the work of the nursery. Special thanks to our Eco Co-ordinators Diane Burns (Senior Early Years Officer) and Lorraine Robb (Senior Early Years Officer) for co-ordinating our eco work and making sure we all re-use and recycle!
During our recent Eco Week children and parents visited the local Recycling Centre after sorting their rubbish, picked litter, tended the garden, hung out the washing to dry and pledged their commitment to continuing to develop their environemntal awareness.
Dunino Primary - Permanent Status
Dunino has been involved with the Eco Schools Award since May 1997 when Headteachers in Fife were first informed of the Scheme.
As the school had been working on environmental issues since 1994 via Grounds for Learning and recycling initiatives in NE Fife, Eco Schools seemed the next natural step.
The school won its first Green Flag in May 1998, to be followed by flags 2, 3 and 4 in 2000, 2002 and 2004.
Over the years the school has developed a wild life garden with a pond, bird table, bird feeders and bird boxes. The school grounds also have a meadow area, 'beastie' borders and lots of shrubs and trees to attract a variety of wildlife.
The pupils monitor the energy used in the school and have responsibility to see that electric lights and equipment are turned off when not in use. Electricity consumption is monitored regularly. In the first year of this initiative the school managed to save £600. Water consumption has also been reduced in the school by the installation of pushdown taps and bricks in every cistern in the school.
One of the latest initiatives in the school is healthy eating, with the introduction of a Fruit and Vegetable Eating Challenge. Pupils are encouraged to bring fruit or vegetables for snack and packed lunches. The contents of these and school lunches are monitored and points awarded for each portion of fruit or vegetables eaten in the school day. The pupils who are seen to be eating healthy lunches and snacks, are awarded certificates noting their progress. The school has also recently erected a greenhouse made from approximately 1600 2 litre plastic drinks bottles. The staging in this was made from a recycled pallet and plants |
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The school would welcome small groups of visitors who wish to see and hear about their environmental work. Telephone 01334 880 305
Guardbridge Primary - 3 Flags
The school first registered in December 1999.
After an environmental audit, the pupils and staff decided to focus on Energy and Recycling and held their first Day of Action involving the expertise of Fife Energy Management Team who did workshops on energy use and solar power.
The school took part in a study which gave monthly reading of their fuel consumption and, by being more energy aware, managed to cut their fuel bills by £640. They also designed posters, some of which were used across Fife to publicise energy awareness and reduction.
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They have created an outdoor performance area, made and filled planters to enhance the playing areas and introduced two sheds for potting and storing garden tools. With the help of parents, they have also marked out the playground for netball, games, road markings and crossing for the children to use and enjoy. Eco Schools had made a great deal of difference to the lives and educational learning experiences of all at Guardbridge. The members of staff say that there are no |
Pittenweem Primary - 3 Flags
Pittenweem Primary took up the challenge of working towards becoming an Eco School back in September 2002 and was awarded a Bronze award in March 2003 closely followed by the award of their 1st Green Flag in June of the same year.
The main area looked at was waste. The pupils and staff have worked hard at turning their school into a recycling centre for plastic, paper, aluminium cans, mobile phones and inkjet and toner cartridges. Recycling bins were placed in the entrance of the school so that pupils, parents and other members of the local community could use them.
In a bid to clean up the playground areas and make them more attractive, the school's Eco Committee wrote to local businesses inviting sponsorship for a variety of litter bins. They managed to raise enough money for 3, making litter disposal a more attractive option for the pupils.
| A week of action on the environment was held in April 2003. The major project was planting a hedgerow, 50 metres by 1, metre which was made up of 10 native species of shrubs and trees. Over the years this will enhance the school grounds for pupils, for birds and insects and for learning and teaching experiences. Another focus was the monitoring of paper, energy and water usage and issues around transport and healthy eating were covered in class work. |
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| Past pupil members of the Eco Committee - now at Waid Academy - Local Councillor member proudly Pittenweem's first Green Flag. |
All pupils and staff are delighted to receive their 3rd Eco Flag with their continuing work in the school and local community.
Strathkinness Primary - 2 Flags
Strathkinness Primary School in Fife, having registered for the Eco Schools Award scheme in September 2003, was delighted to achieve their first Green Flag on the 30th June 2004.
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It reflected the combined hard work and environmental dedication of pupils, staff, parents and the village community. As time went on, a school project on 'Our Garden' inspired a composting initiative. This soon gathered environmental momentum and before long an Eco Committee of 10 children and 4 adults was formed and coordinated by Mrs Sheila Goodwin. |
| The Green Flag at Strathkinness Primary can be seen fluttering in the breeze from far and wide. |
After an Eco Review, decisions were made and Eco targets set. This proved to be an effective focus and before they knew it everything was coming up roses!
They have revamped the garden and pond, transformed the playground areas, saved water and energy and promoted healthy eating, with support from the whole community.
Everyone has benefited environmentally from the efforts the flag flying high above the school is a daily reminder of what they have achieved and that the environment is everyone's responsibility!
Kinghorn Primary - 2 Flags
On the 6th October 2004, Kinghorn Primary became the fifth school to join the Fife Green Flag Gang.
| The pupils are involved in a variety of activities including, reading the electricity, recycling aluminium cans and plastic bottles, regenerating their Wildlife and Outdoor Learning Garden and regular beach clean ups. The school also operates a Healthy Tuck Shop, Combat Exercise Sessions and tackles Fair Trade issues. The school recently combined a mini enterprise with their Eco Schools work by forming a company called Mummy Mania which produced Egyptian Jewellery made from recycled materials. |
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Strong community links have been formed. The school has regular reports in the local press and displays posters in the local library, community centre and on the beach notice board. They also work closely with local contractors, the school nurse, Fife Energy Management Team and Craigencault Ecology Centre.
Future plans for Kinghorn involve developing a vegetable garden and looking at the topic of Transport with the School Travel Plan in mind.
New Gilston PS - 1 Flag
On the 6th of Dec 2004 a Green Flag was awarded to New Gilston Primary School.
With such good community support and network, the school and nursery were able to achieve high standards in all their Eco work in the space of one year.
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In the School Grounds a mural was painted on the playground shed, then half barrels were obtained and filled with bulbs and plants, large tractor tyres provided seating, planting and playing areas. Money was raised through enterprise activities to purchase a Wendy House. Donations were received to provide bird tables. Inside the school, the janitor helped the children paint and decorate the pupils' toilets. Energy use is monitored daily and everyone is encouraged to cut down unnecessary lights, electrical equipment etc. |
| The children and teachers of New Gilston proudly display their new Eco Flag. |
A wind turbine is to be installed to provide power for hot water. Radiator reflector panels have been installed and measures taken to reduce heat loss. Water bags have been installed in cisterns and taps are checked regularly to ensure that hot water is not wasted.
On the recycling front, paper is reused and recycled, plastic bottles have been made into birdfeeders, used stamps are collected.
Healthy eating is promoted throughout school and nursery. A points chart and stickers reward the most healthy eaters.
The playground is checked and monitored at break times to ensure that all litter is placed in the bin.
The school is proud of its environmental awareness and has links with the Botanic Gardens in St Andrews and Tentsmuir Forest Nature Reserve who have helped greatly with understanding the natural environment and protecting wildlife.
Last June the pupils in P5-7 wrote and performed a musical play for the wider community to promote Eco thinking. They tackled issues like saving energy, litter and waste, pollution and preserving wildlife. This was a great success. Funds raised at this event went to help sponsor a boy in Uganda.
The school is now planning to build bird-boxes and install them in the local woods and work more closely with the village community in further Eco projects.
Rathillet Primary - 2 Flags
The Eco work at Rathillet began with enhancing the playground and garden. An herb garden, areas to encourage birds and wildlife, flowerbeds and a rocky beach area were created. For play and storage, a Wendy House and shed were purchased and colourful mosaics and murals were produced by the pupils to enhance the school entrance.
| An aluminium greenhouse was purchased in 2003. The profits of the resulting Enterprise project, growing flowers and organic vegetables, were used to purchase willow structures- a dome, an arbour, a trellis, a windbreak and a compost bin. Earlier this year when the stormy winds blew away the greenhouse proved a stumbling block for future plans, however this has now been replaced by a sturdier wooden |
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The use of energy within the school is carefully monitored and new ways found to conserve natural resources. Notices throughout the school remind everyone to be vigilant in the use of power and recent purchase of a water barrel should provide most of the water needed for the garden. The pupils contacted Fife Council and persuaded them to place recycling bins in the school playground for use by the local community who had had no local means of recycling before and all organic waste produced in the school is composted in the willow bin.
The school dining room has been enhanced by the addition of colourful window blinds and lampshades and the children are constantly reminded to make healthy eating choices by the posters and mobiles which decorate the area. These efforts have seen a marked increase in the uptake of school meals and the school has been awarded a DVD player under the 'Heartbeat' scheme.
Local businesses, have given practical advice and donations of labour and materials all of which has helped the school achieve Green Flag status which in turn has made everyone in Rathillet more aware of sustainable living. Everyone concerned is dedicated to finding new ways to ensure the school remains an Eco School.
Ferryport Nursery – 2 Flags
The children, staff and parents of Ferryport Nursery in Tayport are celebrating the success of achieving their 1st Green Flag. The nursery is the first Nursery School in Fife to have been gained this prestigious award which was presented to the children by MSP Iain Smith on 21 st March 2005.
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Developing their playground into a sensory garden, planting and growing, feeding and caring for birds, road safety, litter awareness and healthy eating are only some of the activities which the children have been involved. Through “Circle Times”, the children developed their Eco Code which encourages them to turn off taps, switch of lights, recycle paper and bin litter. Everyone in Ferryport has been involved in some way. |
The children also help to use the compost bin, recycle paper, aluminium cans and inkjet cartridges, but there is more to come. In the future they hope to use e-mail, where possible, for newsletters and install a water butt for watering our garden.
Paxton Nursery - 1st Green Flag
| Paxton Nursery achieved its first green flag on 30th May 2005. As part of the Eco Schools Programme, the nursery children were involved in the following activities: Litter:
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- Planting of bulbs, seeds and herbs.
- Raking up cut grass.
- Pulling out weeds.
- Making of bird cakes to feed birds in winter.
- Observation of birds using feeding table.
- Planting, growing and eating of potatoes, rhubarb and apples.
- Paper bins are in use in all nursery rooms.
- Fruit waste is added to the compost bin.
- Pupils visits to the Methil Recycling Depot.
- Stamps, cards and cartridges are recycled.
- Boxes of all kinds are used for craft activities.
In addition, the children created an Eco Newsletter and Eco Magazine. An ‘Eco Week’ was held and during the schools ‘Day of Action’, local primary children, parents and the Eco Committee members were involved in a wide range of activities which included making skittles, paper beads, pom-poms, stompers, paper recycling and weaving.
Leslie Nursery - 1st Green Flag
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On the 31st August, Leslie Nursery held a ‘Hoisting Day’ when Christine May, MSP, presented the pupils with their Eco Schools Green Flag. Although much of the Eco philosophy was firmly embedded in the Nursery Curriculum, the Eco Schools Programme allowed a more focused approach. Boys and girls at Leslie Nursery see their flag for the first time. |
| Boys and girls at Leslie Nursery see their flag for the first time. |
- The already established wildlife garden was further developed to include:
- Composting - using the residue from the Fruit for Nursery Scheme
- Vegetable growing
- Feeding the birds
- Litter picking
- The local road sweeper helped the school to acquire litter bins for inside and outside the nursery garden.
- The children discussed energy tips
- Water hippos were installed in cisterns.
Plans for the future include a pond in the wildlife garden and a sensory walkway as well as a greater focus on ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’.
Colinsburgh Primary - 1 Flag
| Colinsburgh Primary School registered with the Eco School Award Scheme in 2002. Over the three years leading up to their first Green Flag they have tackled lots of issues and realised many targets set through their ongoing Action Plan. Three successive Eco-Committees have really enjoyed ‘making a difference’ in and around their small school. |
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| Colinsburgh Primary pupils proudly displays the schools first Green Flag. |
In the first year they set out for our bronze award by allocating tasks and focus areas to each of their three rooms. This resulted in big improvements directly outside the school - a new safety barrier, "twenty's plenty" sign and traffic calming throughout the village. They also tackled the school grounds - creating a new mural, erecting game boards, a new seating area and recently, a garden area constructed from recycled tyres. Inside the school they researched healthy options for their tuck shop, creating healthier choices at break time throughout the school.
Working within the Eco Award scheme has had many benefits for the school and community. They have visited Craigencalt Ecology Centre for an inspirational tour that gave them lots of ideas before applying for their green flag. Many other outside contacts have led to real improvements and changes in attitudes: Laura Duncan from Fife Recycle Unit, Richard from the recycling workshops, local artists Davie Sim and the Scottish Organic Soil Association - all have played their part in raising awareness and keeping the school on track. New recycling bins came about due to one of these visits and they have put the school firmly at the heart of village recycling.
They have also worked through music and theatre to bring the Eco message to parents - through their Eco Song "The Greenest Earth" and our superb production of the Last Rainbow. Both were successful and enjoyed by both parents and children.
Recently the school had the honour of presenting our achievements at the Fife Eco Conference in Auchterderran. Three of our pupils created a PowerPoint presentation that was warmly received.
They have just recently had their new flagpole erected in the playground and on February 17th 2006, all concerned celebrated raising the "glorious green" at a Garden Party and Flag Raising Ceremony.