In November 2004, we started to review our environmental performance with the aim of qualifying for an Eco School Award. We had to look at waste minimisation, energy and water use, transport, healthy living, school grounds and litter.

In the beginning:
A group of Sixth Form students and staff made a good start. Some carried out a detailed survey of the way we travel to and from school and the results will help to assess the carbon dioxide released and point to ways to reduce this.
A group of students worked on the school’s energy use and this will continue. Developing a strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions is now part of the school’s development plan.

The PTA donated money to create a woodland garden in the area opposite the main entrance and volunteers have given up some of their spare time to start clearing the site, whilst the Art Department encouraged pupils to come up with design ideas.

There has been a lot of interest in tackling waste, and a group looked into ways to reduce the throughput of paper in school.

Ongoing Eco-School activities include recycling, energy use, transport to and from school, and healthy lifestyles. If you have any ideas, please speak to Mr Archer.

Parents, governors and members of the local community have an important role. They have to be involved at all stages if we are to qualify so please get in touch if you would like to help.
Details of the Eco Schools Awards can be found at www.eco-schools.org.uk. You can tell us you are interested by completing the online form(below).

Just some of the ways BRGS has helped the environment since 2004:

Pupils from Year 11 worked on an energy project, looking into ways to reduce the School’s energy consumption and researching the feasibility of using renewable sources.

The School has been awarded a grant to develop a School Travel Plan and a team is working on this.

Ten bike stands have been installed outside Room 55 and pupils are encouraged to cycle to school, as long as they have a parent’s permission. We strongly encourage the wearing of cycle helmets and high visibility clothing.

Several pupils have made suggestions about the collection of recyclable materials. A group is now organising and extending the collection of waste paper aroundschool. We have also run a scheme to collect and recycle unwanted mobile phones.