GREEN-FINGERED students have been awarded for their efforts to support the environment.
Riverbank Academy in Princethorpe Way received a gold award from Woodlands Trust for its involvement in green activities, such as tree planting, visiting a local woodland, recycling and reducing carbon emissions.
The Green Tree Schools initiative was launched in 2008 and has seen over 7,000 schools take part – giving pupils the chance to welcome the great outdoors, wildlife and green issues into the classroom.
Academy pupils put their explorer caps on as they ventured out on woodland walks to identify signs of the different seasons, while creating music with sustainable natural materials.
The awards scheme encourages schools to experience the natural classroom by getting involved in cooking, fire management, craft making and team work activities, in an attempt to support their educational development.
Matthew Taylor, forest school coordinator at Riverbank Academy, said: “Taking part in the Woodland Trust Organisation and The Green Tree Award Scheme has offered our students opportunities to achieve and develop their self-esteem and confidence through hands on learning experiences in a woodland environment.
“Our students have been engaged and focused with a positive attitude to learning allowing them to take managed risks, make choices and initiate learning for themselves.”
Woodland Trust schools communications manager Karen Letter added: “The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in woods and trees.”
Each school is awarded points for taking part in certain activities – these points are used to claim a bronze, silver or gold prize.
The Green Tree Award is free for schools to take part in and, this year, Woodlands Trust is offering free packs of trees.
For more information about how to get involved visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/schools
