# How Holy Name Primary School Places the Environment at the Centre of its Curriculum
Key Highlights :
At Holy Name Primary School in , the environment is at the heart of the school curriculum. From growing their own fruit and veg for lunchtime to recycling bottle caps into mosaic artwork, the school is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and teaching the next generation all about sustainability. We went along to the school to meet pupils and teachers who are passionate about the environment and find out more about their eco-friendly initiatives.
Karen Lane, class teacher and personal development leader, said that promoting eco-friendliness is one of the school’s core values. She said: “Encouraging our pupils to gain an awareness of the world around them and to understand the positive contributions they can make to it is of utmost importance.”
The school playground is a verdant oasis, with strawberry, tomato and lettuce plants thriving in pots, while greenhouses store a bounty of fresh produce. The school’s efforts have been recognised by their Green Flag Award, held since 2008.
The pupils also take part in nationwide initiatives such as the Big School Birdwatch, Walk to School Weeks and Switch off Fortnights which all “encourage the children to get closer to nature.” There are even dedicated "eco-police" officers at the school who are responsible for ensuring everything is switched off when not in use. Mrs Lane said: “We are most proud of our Eco Police. For years, pupils have volunteered to patrol the school. Each Friday the Eco Police announce their findings during the whole school assembly. At the end of each year, whichever class has the most Eco Money wins a special fast food meal for everyone in their class."
The school also created impressive mosaic art using bottle caps collected from the community. Currently, one of the artworks hangs in the school's hallways, while another was donated to Aintree hospital.
The school’s commitment to eco-issues doesn’t stop there. They also support charity projects, including a raffle of donated toys from the community, which raised £200 for those in Ukraine. A pupil-run school council also gathers the views of pupils who discuss ideas regarding the school.
The school also strives to empower its pupils with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to reach their potential. Their pioneering programme, Thinking Moves A to Z, encourages children to develop an awareness of their own thinking skills. The programme is one the children are encouraged to recite and remember, with each letter representing a different type of thinking skill.
Holy Name Primary School is a true example of how the environment can be placed at the centre of the school curriculum. With their commitment to eco-friendliness, the school is leading the charge towards a greener future and teaching the next generation all about sustainability.
