A Merton school has scooped a top environment award after hardworking pupils pulled out all the stops to fight climate change and litter dropping.
Children from Singlegate Primary School, in South Gardens, landed a Distinction in the London Schools Environment Awards for their commitment to tackling green issues in the borough. Musical pupils learned the litter ‘Pick it up’ song and children even wrote their own versions of the lyrics and the whole school joined in the sing-a-long.
Young litter detectives were responsible for collecting rubbish around the school and the after-school environment club took part in litter clean-ups and created posters and leaflets to stop people dropping their rubbish.
Eco-conscious pupils also took part in a Go Green day to raise awareness of how much energy we use. Children filled diaries monitoring the amount of energy they used at home and came up with ideas for different energy sources they could use. The results were then published in the school magazine Kids Metro.
Inspired children even planted large tubs full of plants and the school is now applying for photovoltaic panels, a wood stove and a wind turbine.
London Mayor Boris Johnson was on hand to present the proud pupils with their top accolade.
Merton Council’s cabinet member for the Environment Councillor David Simpson said: “This award is proof our young people are very concerned about climate change and are willing to do everything it takes to protect our environment. They have every right to feel very proud of themselves.
“As a council we are committed to putting our residents first by tackling climate change and making sure Merton is a clean borough that is pleasant to live in. I am delighted our young people also share our vision.”
Are you a family passionate about recycling? Do you work for a business that puts the environment at the core of its business; does your school have a travel plan? If so, log onto http://www.merton.gov.uk/green_guardian_awards and find out more about the 2008 Green Guardian Awards.
Donhead School, also in Merton, won 2nd prize.
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