Eco Schools Achievement Newsletter Issue 24

1. GREEN LINKS Education for Sustainable Development & Global Citizenship Newsletter Issue 24, Autumn 2013 St James Primary School has recently been awarded their first Eco School Green Flag and achieved Fairtrade School Status The staff and pupils have been working hard to reduce the amount of litter both in the school and the local community. Recycling bins have been introduced to all classrooms and pupils have started recycling old batteries and clothes. The school has had two 'Eco weeks' this year where all classes were responsible for developing an aspect of the school grounds. Ideas ranged from insect hotels to bird feeders and literacy trails. The Eco committee have been encouraging everyone in the school to save energy by turning off the lights when they aren't in use and making sure computers are switched off at the end of the day. To celebrate these awards, the school had a 'Green Day.' Everybody dressed in green clothes for the day and each class celebrated before coming together with parents and friends of the school to watch the Eco secretary and treasurer raise the flags.

2. WHAT HAVE SCHOOLS BEEN UP TO! Would you like to promote your schools achievements here! Share good practice and ideas with other schools. Email information, articles and pictures to Tracy Evans, Education for Sustainable Development Officer at: EVANSTA@caerphilly.gov.uk Penllwyn Primary School Achieve their 3rd Green Flag Award The school is thrilled to receive its third Eco Schools Green Flag. This is due to the hard work and dedication of the school’s very active eco committee, staff, governors, parents and local community. The flag was presented to the eco committee, by Chris Evans MP for Islwyn. He attended a special assembly hosted by the Eco Committee. In this assembly pupils gave a presentation on their eco school achievements over the past few years. For more information about the Eco Schools Programme in the Caerphilly County Borough please contact Tracy Evans, Education for Sustainable Development Officer at EVANSTA@caerphilly.gov.uk

3. Ysgol Y Lawnt – Eco Achievements! The summer term has been an exceptionally busy one for pupils at Ysgol Y Lawnt. Thanks to the money, which we won in the Balchder Bro competition, we have been able to realise our dream of creating a school vegetable garden where children of all ages are able to learn about growing their own food. The start of the term saw the arrival of the Healthy Villages team from groundwork Caerphilly who helped us install the raised beds. Many thanks to all the parents who helped with the construction work and to the army of children who shifted 6 tons of soil in their wheelbarrows. All classes were then invited to enter a competition to create scarecrows out of re-used materials to mark their vegetable plots. Despite the hot weather, we have managed to successfully grow a wide variety of vegetables in the garden from potatoes, onions and carrots, to sweet corn and courgettes. Next year we hope to install a plastic bottle greenhouse so that we can grow tomatoes. The end of May marked Walk to School week and for the first time ever, we ran our Walking bus on each day. Each day followed a different theme with fun activities to do on the way – safety, nature, fitness, clean air and socialising. Pupils particularly enjoyed the Wednesday activities when the Walking Bus route was turned into a trim trail, with the children and parents joined in the exercises every time we found the symbol of a red heart chalked on the ground.

4. Ysgol Y Lawnt – Eco Achievements Continued! On the last Wednesday of term we ran the Big Walking Bus, where pupils from outlying villages disembarked from their buses to join the Walking Bus. Luckily it was a lovely sunny morning and a total of 196 people including pupils, parents and staff joined the Walking Bus, beating our previous record of 186! Since half term members of the eco committee have been busy preparing for the assessment for our third green flag. Mr Rheinalt Williams visited the school at the end of June and the eco committee took him on a tour around the school and told him about the eco things we had been doing over the last two years. He really liked our new vegetable garden and was very interested in what we had planted there. He was also happy to hear that our new train on the yard was made from renewable resources. At the end of the tour, he said that we deserved to have our third green flag award. We are now looking forward to working towards our platinum award in two years time.

5. Crumlin High Level Primary School The eco committee of Crumlin high Level Primary School recently took part in the Yellow Fish Campaign. Managed by Keep Wales Tidy, the Yellow Fish Campaign aims to stop people pouring oil, paints, solvents or chemicals into surface water drains or gullies on the side of the road. Anything poured into these drains ends up in the rivers and streams. Many people are unaware that these materials can poison fish and wildlife and smother plants – and because of the way these contaminants spread, it takes only a tiny mount to harm the water environment. Crumlin high Level Primary School is located close to the River Ebbw, which has suffered more than its fair share of pollution incidents over the years. Yellow Fish campaigning by the school will raise awareness that anything poured down the drains will come into contact with wildlife. The children painted 15 Yellow Fish in chalk paint at storm water drains around the school site, displayed posters, distributed leaflets and will be discussing the significance of the Yellow Fish with their classmates and families. Following the launch of the campaign on the school grounds, the school will take the campaign out to the wider community, working with the parents and families of the pupils to raise awareness.

6. Cefn Fforest Primary School - Going further for Fairtrade! Cefn Fforest Primary School had a double celebration on Friday 8th March by holding a Mother’s Day afternoon tae using Fairtrade products. The school has achieved Fairtrade School status by setting up a dedicated Fairtrade Committee and by showing their commitment to using and selling Fairtrade products, supporting the people who produce what we wear, eat and use in making enough money to live good lives. The school held numerous events during Fairtrade Fortnight, celebrating all things Fairtrade. Both the Infant School and the Junior School held assemblies learning about the importance of buying Fairtrade products and the Junior School held a tuck shop selling Fairtrade goods. On the Friday they wore black, green and blue to show their support to the cause. The Mother’s Day afternoon tea allowed the children and their mothers to spend the afternoon together enjoying delicious cakes and refreshments including Fairtrade tea and coffee. Head teacher Julie Farmer commented, “By being a Fairtrade school and using Fairtrade products we help our pupils to understand where their food and clothes come from and promote an understanding that all farmers deserve a fair price for the goods they make and grow. The support for the event was fantastic with pupils enjoying the Fairtrade goods in the tuck shop and mums and nans all enjoying their Fairtrade Mother’s Day afternoon tea. Well done to the Fairtrade Committee”. The Fairtrade Foundation’s 2013 Fairtrade Fortnight Campaign asked the British Public to ‘Go Further for Fairtrade’. Schools across the Caerphilly County Borough were involved with teachers attending Fairtrade training events to support them achieving Fairtrade School status. For more information about the Fairtrade Schools Scheme, please contact Tracy Evans, ESD Officer at EVANSTA@caerphilly.gov.uk

7. Healthy Early Years Scheme Early Year’s settings in Caerphilly continue to work hard to achieve Phase 1, 2 and 3 of the Healthy Early Year’s Scheme. Congratulations to: Phase 1: Ystrad Mynach College Nursery Moriah Pre-School Playgroup, Risca Geraldene Price, Childminder – Llanbradach Clych Meithrin, Rhymni Little Acorns Flying Start Childcare, Caerphilly Phase 2: Upsa-Daisy Day Nursery, Cwmfelinfach The Alphabet Tree Day Nursery, Caerphilly Gemstones Flying Start Childcare, Fochriw Llwybrau Llon Flying Start Childcare, Bryn Awel Footsteps Day Nursery, Llanbradach Lots of ECO activities have taken place in the settings since the ‘It’s our World, It’s their future’ Conference back in March and we now have 8 settings working towards Phase 3, looking at recycling, energy/ water conservation, global citizenship, transport etc. Caerphilly’s Healthy Schools and early year’s team have been working closely with Tracy Evans, Education for Sustainable Development Officer and are in the process of finalising the Eco Early Year’s Award which will follow on from the HEY Scheme. Similar to the Eco Schools Award, it will consist of Bronze, silver and Gold Awards. It is hoped to launch this award with a workshop late October 2013 – keep a look out in the Training Newsletter for further information.

8. Eco School Training – 2013-2014 Matthew Bunt at Eco Schools Wales will be running the following Eco School courses for schools in the Caerphilly County Borough to support them working towards the Eco Schools programme. Going for Green! This course is being run twice (an afternoon session and a twilight session): Thursday September 26th, 3.45pm to 5.15pm Venue: Pontllanfraith comprehensive School Wednesday October 16th, 1pm to 3pm Venue: Cwm Ifor Primary School Do you currently hold the Eco School Bronze or Silver Award? Are you working towards your silver award or Green Flag award? Then this is the course for you. The course will provide useful information and support to help you move forward and achieve the next award level. We will cover the Eco School process and provide support on the relevant areas. We will also review your current Eco School portfolio to offer advice and support on current projects and ideas Following this course you will be expected to move on to the next Eco School Award within the school year. Achieving the Platinum Award! Thursday October 10th, 1pm to 3pm Venue: Markham Primary School Have you achieved your third Eco School Green Flag Award and are working towards your platinum award? Then this is the course for you. The course will cover the requirements of the Platinum Award with examples, along with support and guidance. We will also review your current Eco School portfolio to offer support and guidance. For more information about the Eco School Training courses and to book a place, please contact Tracy Evans, ESD Officer at EVANSTA@caerphilly.gov.uk

9. Pride in your Place Awards 2013 Every year thousands of people do their bit to improve the quality of the environment across the whole of the Caerphilly County Borough. The Pride in your Place Awards is an initiative that acknowledges the endeavour, innovation and commitment of those who have helped to make our area cleaner, safer and greener and a better place to live and work. The awards scheme is open to all residents, schools, businesses & community groups within the County Borough. • There are 11 award categories: • Recycling in Schools • Environmental Education • Healthy Living • Sustainable Travel • Environmental Champion • Youth Environmental Champion • Go Wild • Keeping Up Appearances • Best Environmental Business • Best Community Project • Best Kept Area The closing date for applications is 11th October 2013. All applications will be assessed by an independent panel. Those short listed candidates will be invited to an award ceremony on 29th November 2013. Category winners receive a cash prize of £500 and will be eligible for an overall winner award. You can apply for more than one category but you will need to send a separate application (and supporting evidence) for each category. Please contact Rhodri Lloyd for an application form, Tel 01443 873758, email prideinyourplace@caerphilly.gov.uk

10. International Bee Research Association (IRBA) BEEWORLD Project The IRBA are looking to introduce a pollinator education pack to all schools throughout the Caerphilly county borough in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of bees, habitats and the environment. Industry experts agree that ‘habitat loss’ has been the single most threat to pollinators across Wales so this project helps address this problem in urban areas. Their education pack will provide teachers with relevant information and resources to build this fascinating subject into the curriculum. There will also be an opportunity for schools to receive a visit from a beekeeper and for teachers to attend a free workshop at Cardiff University – more details to follow! The new IBRA website is currently under development but the education pack is currently available on the old site www.ibra.org.uk The program will run from February until June 2014 For more information about the project please contact: Julian Rees. IBRA Operations Director Email: reesjn@ibra.org.uk

11. Return of the Romans - Resource Although the Roman army began their invasion of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago and settled in Gelligaer with nearly 500 auxiliary and infantry soldiers at the Gelligaer Roman Fort eventually leaving about 200 years later around 140AD, it would appear they have recently made a return to the area. When undertaking some initial archaeological investigations at a site identified for a cemetery extension at Gelligaer cemetery, archaeologists discovered the remains of a Roman road along with other fragments of pottery, glass and leather. The council are required to excavate the site as part of the development of the cemetery extension and record all of the archaeological artefacts. To undertake this work, CCBC have entered into a working partnership with Cardiff University School of Religion, History and Archaeology, the National Museum of Wales and the local historical society. Pic 1: Remains of the Roman Road The university are going to use the site as a training dig site and bring along archaeology students for a period of four-weeks every year for the next four to five years. During this time the site will be opened up to the local community and schools to come along and get involved with the excavation and really get their hands dirty whilst learning about the Romans in Gelligaer. CCBC are kicking of this project on the 17th September 2013 for a period of four-days offering the four local schools the opportunity to come along to the site and help undertake some of the geophysical surveys. This will culminate in an open community evening on Friday 20th September starting at 5pm with a guided walk around the key Roman sites of the area and then an opportunity for the local community to come and have a look at some Roman artefacts and discuss the local history with the experts. Unfortunately, due to the timescales this year and limited period of time that the geophysical surveyors will be on site there is not the opportunity to invite all CCBC schools to the geophysical event. However, if you would like to get involved in the excavation work during the summer of 2014 please contact Paul Hudson on hudsop@caerphilly.gov.uk to register an interest. We will then be in touch nearer the time to let you know how you can become involved in the project.

12. Walk to School Month – October 2013 Walk to school month encourages pupils to walk at least once a week for the month. They provide classroom packs that include everything a school needs to run a month-ling challenge, encouraging pupils to walk. You could also encourage staff to walk, where possible. Walk to School month takes place as part of National Walking Month, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents. Many parents say walking is actually quicker and less stressful than taking the car, and they value the opportunity to spend quality time with their children. Walking has a fantastic impact on the health and well-being of children, as well as reducing congestion and pollution around the school. Free your Feet Secondary School challenge Free Your Feet is a whole school walking challenge, schools taking part have the chance of winning an iPad mini plus other walk to school support for their school. Encouraging students to walk to school means you get healthy alert students arriving at a safe congestion free gate every morning. The Free your Feet campaign increases students awareness of the benefits of walking and encourage them to walk as much as they can, on their school journeys, over a week. Student postcards are collected at the end of the week, and entered into a prize draw, with one student at each participating school winning a £50 shopping voucher. Everyone who has walked at all (however far), has an equal chance of winning. For schools already engaged with the Healthy Schools approach, the challenge is an ideal way of satisfying a ‘meaningful outcome’ as its pre and post event surveys show sustainable modal shift. Visit http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/shop/walk-to-school/free-your-feet-pack for more information and to register.

13. RESOURCES • Creative Star Learning • www.creativestarlearning.co.uk • An excellent website with lots of ideas for delivering literacy and numeracy in the outdoors. • They provide: • Support to help you increase the quantity and quality of learning and play outdoors. • Training to help you ‘think outside’ and develop confidence to work outside with children and young people • Advice about those sticky issues that stop you from teaching or being outside as much as you would like • Resources such as free downloads and an award winning blog with almost 500 posts Resources Include: Literacy Outdoors: Leaves, circles and thinking about stones. The outdoor environment is a stimulus for reading, writing, talking an listening. Enjoy trying some of the activities. Maths Outdoors: We believe that almost any maths concept can be taught and reinforced outside. Here’s a taste of some of the possibilities that will help you get maths outdoors. Going Out to Play with Fred the Ted: Lots of ideas and suggestions for creating ongoing dialogue with very young children about matters which affect them outside. There are many multi-sensory activities which are simple and doable in a busy Early Years setting.

14. RESOURCES Living and Learning with Water www.livingandlearningwitwater.com/english/teachers-parents.html Welsh Water’s Education Resource Site The aim of the site is to provide an introduction to Welsh Water and their role in the water cycle in a fun and interactive way. They regularly develop new teaching resources. Register your school to download their new Water Efficiency pack. Investigating Water: Information on where water comes from, how it’s treated, and how we return it to our rivers and sea. Water Cycle / Clean Water / Dirty Water: Activities, resources and work sheets Investigating the Environment: Rivers, lakes and ponds are an important source of fresh water for humans, animals and plants. Welsh Water works very hard to conserve our watery habitats and ensures that the environment is not harmed when we abstract water or return treated wastewater to rivers. Rivers / Ponds: Activities, resources and work sheets Caring for Water: There is no new water in the world. We are drinking the same water as the dinosaurs. Saving Water/ Down the Drain:Activities, resources and work sheets Thinking about Water: Look at how small changes in your everyday life can help combat the effects of climate change. Reservoirs/ Water Safety: Activities, resources and worksheets

15. RESOURCES The Co-operative Green Schools Revolution www.co-operative.coop/green-schools-revolution/ Discover inspiring resources to encourage creative thinking around key topics like energy, water, healthy living and biodiversity, as well as exciting free school trips to Co-operative farms, to find out how food is grown and to The Co-operative wind farm’s, to find out about renewable energy. Parents can join in at home too, with lots of fun activities to explore on the website. • Start your own revolution, it’s quick and easy to register and you’ll get access to great tools and tips: • Registration is free for teachers in all UK primary and secondary schools, and there’s lots on offer to help you and your school, wherever you are on your sustainability journey • Great free welcome pack – with posters, stickers and support to get you started • Primary School Resources – from biodiversity activities to electrifying lesson plans • Secondary School Resources – from whole school activities to Fairtrade enterprise • Free green school trips – se where food is grown or visit huge, real wind turbines • The FREE registration pack includes: • A massive wall planner, which details key green dates throughout the school year • Certificates for you to photocopy to reward pupils’ great green behaviour • A booklet with tips, our news, and ideas from other teachers • A sustainability guide • Sheets of stickers and posters for primary schools • A poster from the Shark Trust

16. RESOURCES Forest Education Initiative www.foresteducation.org Forest Education Initiative aims to increase the understanding and appreciation, particularly among young people, of the environmental, social and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests and of the link between the tree and everyday wood products. FEI brings this information to young people – in their homes, in schools and in colleges. Where possible, we encourage the public, especially young people, to use trees, timber and the forest environment for learning and gaining skills within their natural environment. They have produced a variety of resources including: Wolf Brother’s Wildwoods: To support teachers who are reading the novel Wolf Brother by Michael Paver with their class. The resource aims to bring the Mesolithic period to life through a series of woodland and classroom activities, encourage pupils and teachers to enjoy spending time in their local woodland and support teachers delivering Curriculum for Excellence outcomes through outdoor learning. Tool Bank Project: Contains 8 activities suggesting different items than can be made from wood using a variety of tools. Get Involved Resource Pack (English & Welsh): To support Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 teachers using their local woodland as a teaching resource. The activities link to the Welsh National Curriculum and include: discover and explore a woodland, woodland performance, woodland games, biodiversity of a single tree and many, many more.

17. RESOURCES Growing Schools www.growingschools.org.uk Resources available to schools If you are a teacher looking for interesting and innovative ways of incorporating outdoor learning into your lessons, this section holds a wide variety of resources related to the outdoor classroom. The Wild Weather Book There are 72 brilliant, imaginative suggestions for wild things to do outdoors in rain, wind and snow. Now there is no excuse to be bored and suck inside. It includes chapters on Rainy Days, After the Rain, Windy Days, Snowy Days and Icy Days, with simple step by step instructions, a difficulty key and fun, vibrant photographs. Visit www.growingschools.org.uk/ The Growing School Garden Award! Working with the Botanic Gardens Education Network (BGEN), Growing Schools has developed an award for gardens that provide advice and training for schools, and demonstrates how gardens can be used for active learning across the curriculum. Gardens of all kinds, including school gardens, are eligible for the new awards. Visit http://www.growingschools.org.uk/GrowingSchoolsGardenAward/becomegsg.aspx for more information on how to become a Growing School Garden Site. There is also a virtual Growing School Garden, Learning outside the classroom, to encourage more widespread use of educational opportunities away from the classroom and to inspire schools to provide high quality learning experiences. Visit http://www.thegrowingschoolsgarden.org.uk

18. RESOURCES Growing Schools www.growingschools.org.uk Grow Your Own Salad Initiative! The British Leafy Salads Association has launched a new Grow Your Own Salads initiative for primary schools aimed at children aged 7-11.  The initiative is designed to help children develop first-hand knowledge of where their food comes from in their own classrooms. Teachers can apply for free Grow Your Own Salads kits and download curriculum based teaching resources, developed in conjunction with us at the British Nutrition Foundation. The resources include eight pupil friendly worksheets along with whiteboard activities. The resources can be downloaded from the website www.makemoreofsalad.com and applications for the kits can be made online, via email: salad@ceres-pr.co.uk or by calling 01189 475956. Kits will be delivered in September 2012 designed to be grown in the classroom during the autumn term. Growing School Year Planner! Growing Schools has re-printed its popular colourful and informative calendar-style year planner for the classroom. It’s available free, and schools can order a copy now. The year planner is enlivened with inspirational photos, and packed with tips and advice to encourage outdoor learning through growing food in schools. Visit the Growing Schools website to order your free copy. Resource Library They have over 100 resources available to schools, split into individual Key Stages and subject to make it easier for you to find the exact resource you are looking for. Visit the Growing Schools website to download your free resources.

19. RESOURCES National Botanic Garden of Wales The National Botanic Garden of Wales offers over 40 different curriculum linked programmes or workshops for schools from foundation phase to post 16. Example of programmes offered: Foundation Phase: Seasons at the Garden Why do birds sing and bluebells appear in Spring? Why is Summer such a hive of activity? Why do leaves fall in the Autumn? And where’s everyone gone in the Winter? Nature has important cycles in each of its four seasons. Come and experience them at the Garden. Activities and games help children enjoy the magic – whatever the weather! Tedwen’s New Adventure Come and see Tedwen and share in her adventure as she searches the Garden for a special friend! This new programme is specially designed to introduce children to different types of relationships by using the characters from our very popular Tedwen’s Adventure. It explores loneliness, bullying, sharing and friendships in a safe and friendly way. KS2 Rainforests Why have rainforests become known as the ‘lungs of the planet’ and why is their destruction linked to climate change? Rainforests are the oldest and most complex ecosystem on earth. Visit the Tropical House to discover what it might be like in a Tropical rainforest. Learn how plants are adapted to live their, what products we all use that come from there and how important the ancient ecosystems are to us. The Allotment – Growing for Success What makes a good compost? Why should I plant my row of carrots in a north – south direction? A new ‘hands on’ full day programme to ensure pupils plan for success in their school allotment year after year. For further details and to make a booking contact: Kay Bailey on 01558 667150 or kbailey@gardenofwales.org.uk

20. RESOURCES National Botanic Garden of Wales • Secondary • For secondary schools they have a wide range of programmes with an emphasis on: • Hands on active learning discovery linked to the new skills curriculum • Cross curricular learning • ESDGC • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) • Welsh Baccalaureate Examples include: What on Earth is Sustainability? What makes an active citizen? This challenging workshop explores the different aspects of sustainability, the issues we need to engage with and how we can all make a difference to our sustainable future. It emphasises with pupils that their decisions count. Green Technology trail How do we use plants to heat our Great Glass House and to clean out water? Out trail explores how the Garden has made choices to ensure we minimise our environmental impact on planet Earth, and describes our role in the Global Plant Conservation Programme. We challenge pupils to consider what everyday choices they can make in school and at home to join us trying to live more sustainably. Food and Food Miles What is the environmental impact of a typical weekly shop? This programme will raise the pupil awareness of the local and global issues, both human and environmental, that affect the food we buy. Using the Garden’s economic collections, pupils will find out where and how their food is produced and will be provoked to think about the ethical and environmental choices open to them. Fairtrade What is Fairtrade and why should we engage with it? This challenging workshop links the producer with the consumer and deals with issues such as inequality, global markets and consumer power! For further details contact: Kay Bailey on 01558 667150 or kbailey@gardenofwales.org.uk

21. RESOURCES Woodland Trust Nature Detectives www.naturedetectives.co.uk/schools/ Free Resources for Schools – available in Welsh and English  Green Tree Schools Award Take part in activities = Earn points = Receive free tree packs Points are awarded when your school participates in activities. Activities include: Ancient Tree Hunt Reduced CO2 Emissions Recycling Christmas Cards/ Inkjet Cartridges/ Mobile Phones Yellow Woods Challenge Visit a Woodland Share your Woodland Words & Images Trees and Flowers Top Trump Cards A Woodland Perspective Wildlife Trails Register for free to start improving your school environment by working towards the Green Tree Schools Award. Spring Play Booklet Download this booklet jam-packed with ideas Free Activity Packs Download by theme: Easter Pack, Outdoor Play, Mini Beast Pack, Trees, Birds, Adventure Pack: Picnic Kit, Ladybirds, Games Pack, Photography, Storytelling, Spring Pack, Summer Pack, Winter Pack, Autumn Pack, Spooky Ideas, Fungi, Fruits and Seeds. DIY Assembly, Seed Planting Kits Free Sapling Packs - Free trees for schools http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/schools/freetrees/ Free Booklets – Fun Outdoor Ideas for the Whole Year Contains 44 ideas for playtime. Welsh Resource Pack Some favourite Nature Detective activities translated into Welsh

22. National What Day/ Week/ Month Link to your Eco School Work! Health/ Global Citizenship/ Waste Minimisation/ Energy/ Water/School Grounds/ Transport/ Litter 8th September: International Literacy Day http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/education-building-blocks/literacy/advocacy/ 1 in 5 (that’s 776 million adults worldwide) can’t write their own name or read a line from a book. A basic right to education that richer countries don’t have to worry about. Global Citizenship 18th September: Puppy Farm Awareness Day www.pupaid.org Help raise awareness about the cruel puppy farming trade and show people how to help stop this happening. Health/ School Grounds/ Global Citizenship/ Transport 23rd September/23rd August: Seed Gathering Season www.treecouncil.org Seed Gathering Season runs from the first day of autumn every month, giving everyone plenty of time to hold events. These could be anything from guided walks enjoying the beauty of colours to workshops and other activities to gather seeds, nuts and fruits to grow a whole range of trees. September 2013 School Grounds/ Health/ Waste Minimisation 1st/30th September: National 5 a Day Month www.5aday.com Each year ‘Produce for Better Health Foundation’ and the ‘National 5 a Day Partnership’ takes this time to encourage organisations and individuals to strengthen their efforts to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables. Check out the 5 a day recipes, the 5 a day colour way and “There is a rainbow on my plate” downloadable colouring and activity pages. Travel/ Health/ Energy/ Global Citizenship 22nd September: International Car Free Day www.Worldcarfreeday.net/wcfd The objective is to encourage widespread debate on the necessity for changes in behaviour in relation to mobility and in particular the use of private car. Health/ Global Citizenship/ Waste Minimisation/ Transport/ School Grounds 21st September – 6th October: British Food Fortnight www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/about-british-food-fortnight The UK has a fantastic opportunity to bring our fabulous great British food to the fore! Showing the rest of the world what we are made of.

23. National What Day/ Week/ Month Link to your Eco School Work! Health/ Global Citizenship/ Transport/ School Grounds 24th September: World’s Biggest Coffee Morning www.macmillan.org.uk Macmillan Cancer support are asking people everywhere to join them for coffee and help raise £8 million for people living with cancer October 2013 Transport/ Health 1st/31st October: International Walk to School Month www.walktoschool.org.uk Gives parents, pupils, school teachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking. Health/ Global Citizenship/ School Grounds/ Litter 1st/31st October: The Big Draw www.drawingpower.org.uk The campaign for drawing invites everyone to join in to discover how drawing stimulates observation, problem solving, invention and enjoyment. Health/ Global Citizenship 7th October: Jeans for Genes Day www.jeansforgenes.com Everyone across the UK is being urged to make sure you wear jeans, dress to impress and make an impression on the lives of children suffering from genetic disorders. School Grounds/ Litter 5th October: National Badger Day www.badger.org.uk If you are lucky enough to have badgers living in your area, celebrate them today! School Grounds/ Global Citizenship/ Health/ Litter 7th October: World Habitat Day www.unhabitat.org The UN has designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day in order for people to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and to remind the world of our responsibility to maintain human habitat in the future. Health/Global Citizenship/ Transport 27th October: Apple Day www.commonground.org.uk The official date is 21st October, but you can hold your events anytime between then and 31st October. Celebrate apples by holding “the longest peel” competitions, or apple tasting sessions – this year is the 21st anniversary, so make it special! Health/Global Citizenship/ Transport/ School Grounds 7th – 13th October: National Curry Week www.nationalcurryweek.co.uk A week of fun, food and fundraising which helps Oxfam to tackle poverty across South Asia. Enjoy delicious food whilst helping those in need!

24. National What Day/ Week/ Month Link to your Eco School Work! Health/ Global Citizenship 18th – 24th November: Alcohol Awareness Week http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/alcohol-concern-in-action/campaigning/alcohol-awareness-week The theme for 2013 is ‘Conversations about Alcohol’. Visit the website to find out more facts and use the alcohol unit calculator. Health/ Global Citizenship 13th November: World Kindness Day http://www.kindnessuk.com/world_kindness_day_kindness_day_uk.php Kindness is universally appreciated so why not show some. World Kindness Day is recognised in many countries throughout the world for a number of years. It involves people around the world showing that they can think about more than themselves and make the world a better place because of it. School Grounds/ Health/ Transport 18th – 24th November: Road Safety Week www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk Road Safety Week is an important event that educates children about the dangers of the road and how important it is that they stay safe. The theme for 2012 is “Slower Speeds = Happy People” The website contains great ideas for fun and informative activities to organise that week. Health/ Global Citizenship/ Transport/ Waste Minimisation/ Litter 14th – 20th October: National Baking Week www.nationalbakingweek.co.uk Get out your wooden spoon, your novelty apron, add a sprinkling of flour and a dash of vanilla essence and enjoy National Baking Week. Why not incorporate Fairtrade items, left overs to avoid waste or something from the allotment! Health/ Global Citizenship/ Transport/ Waste Minimisation/ Litter 16th October: World Food Day http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/worldfoodday/en/ The day is about recognising the worldwide problem of hunger. The theme for 2013 is ‘Sustainable food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition’ This will highlight and raise awareness of the problems worldwide and the solutions to food security and ridding the world of hunger. November 2013 Health/ Global Citizenship 18th – 22nd November: Anti Bullying Week www.antibullyingweek.co.uk The theme for 2013 is “We’re better without bullying”. Visit the above website to access resources and ideas on how to mark anti bullying week

25. National What Day/ Week/ Month Link to your Eco School Work! School Grounds/ Health/ Global Citizenship 23rd November – 1st December: National Tree Week www.treecouncil.org.uk This week is the Tree Council’s festival to mark the start of the tree planting season, as well as a nationwide celebration of trees and woods. Join in with tree planting, walks and storytelling – just some of the great activities taking place across the country! School Grounds/ Health/ Global Citizenship/ Transport 4th – 8th November: National School Meals Week http://www.nsmw.org.uk/ Celebrate everything that is great about a school lunch and that is the theme for this years event. They want every child to enjoy a school meal on one day during the week. December 2013 School Grounds/ Global Citizenship/ Health/ Waste Minimisation/ Transport 1st – 10th December: Wallace & Gromit’s Great British Tea Party http://www.wallaceandgromitfoundation.org/help-our-charity/fundraising-ideas/great-british-tea-party/ Hold a tea party to raise funds for a very special cause, Wallace and Gromit’s Children’s Foundation for sick children in hospitals and hospices around the country. Register your event to receive a ‘crackin fundraising pack’, which contains everything you need to take part in the event. School Grounds/ Global Citizenship/ Health/ Waste Minimisation 1st – 2nd December: International Tree Dressing Day www.commongrounds.org.uk Decorate and celebrate a tree in your school, area or street and show how much you value it. School Grounds/ Transport/ Health/ Global Citizenship 22nd December – 6th January: Festival of Winter Walks http://www.ramblers.org.uk/volunteer-zone/volunteer-toolkits/festivals-and-events.aspx The aim is to make walking paths safer and encourage people to do more walking. This year they want everyone to go out walking over the Christmas period. There are hundreds of free woodland walks taking place all over the country. It’s a great way to burn off that Christmas dinner and have fun doing it together with your loved ones.

26. CONGRATULATIONS ECO SCHOOLS PROGRAMME Congratulations to the following schools who achieved an Eco School award last term. Bronze Award Silver Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School Hendre Junior School Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni Green Flag St James Primary School Tiryberth Primary School 2nd Green Flag Maesycwmmer Primary School Cwmaber Infants School Abertysswyg Primary School 3rd Green Flag Machen Primary School Penllwyn Primary School The Twyn School Ysgol Y Lawnt Platinum Award (4th Green Flag) Bedwas High School Gilfach Fargoed Primary School If you require support with your eco school work or want to know if your ready to apply for your bronze, silver, green flag or platinum award, please contact: Tracy Evans, ESD Officer on 01495 235141 or email EVANSTA@caerphilly.gov.uk

27. Look who’s an Eco School in your cluster group - Share Ideas and Support Each Other School Eco School Award Bedwas High Platinum Bedwas Infants Green Flag (2nd) Bedwas Junior Green Flag (2nd) Graig Y Rhacca Primary Green Flag (2nd) Machen Primary Green Flag (3rd) Tyn Y Wern Primary Green Flag (3rd) School Eco School Award St Cenydd School Silver Cwmaber Infants Green Flag (2nd) Cwmaber Junior Green Flag (3rd) Cwm Ifor Primary Silver Hendre Infants Silver Hendre Junior Silver Hendredenny Park Primary Green Flag (3rd) Nantyparc Primary Green Flag Plasyfelin Primary Green Flag (3rd) School Eco School Award Blackwood Comprehensive Green Flag (2nd) Blackwood Primary Green Flag (3rd) Cefn Forest Primary Silver Fleur De Lys Primary Green Flag Pengam Primary Green Flag (2nd) School Eco School Award Trinity Fields School & Resource Centre Bronze

28. Look who’s an Eco School in your cluster group - Share Ideas and Support Each Other School Eco School Award Newbridge School Silver Abercarn Primary Green Flag Crumlin Primary Silver Cwmcarn Primary Green Flag (3rd) Pantside Primary Green Flag Pentwynmawr Primary Green Flag (2nd) Tynewydd Primary Green Flag (3rd) School Eco School Award Cwmcarn High Bronze School Eco School Award St Martins Comprehensive Green Flag (3rd) Cwrt Rawlin Primary Platinum St Helens Roman Catholic Green Flag (3rd) St James Primary Green Flag Rhydri Primary Green Flag (2nd) The Twyn School Green Flag (3rd) School Eco School Award Oakdale Comprehensive Bronze Rhiw-Syr-Dafydd Junior Silver Pontllanfraith Primary Silver Trinant Primary Silver

29. Look who’s an Eco School in your cluster group – Share Ideas and Support Each Other School Eco School Award Heolddu Comprehensive Green Flag (2nd) Aberbargoed Primary Bronze Deri Primary Green Flag (2nd) Gilfach Fargoed Primary Platinum Park Primary Green Flag St Gwladys Bargoed Platinum White Rose Primary Silver School Eco School Award Rhymney Comprehensive Green Flag (2nd) Abertysswg Primary Green Flag (2nd) Fochriw Primary Green Flag Bryn Awel Primary Green Flag (2nd) Phillipstown Primary Bronze Pontlottyn Primary Green Flag (3rd) Upper Rhymney Primary Silver White Rose Primary Silver School Eco School Award Lewis Girls School Bronze Lewis School Silver Coed y Brain Primary Green Flag Cwm Glas Infants Silver Derwendeg Primary Green Flag Glyn-Gaer Primary Green Flag (3rd) Hengoed Primary Green Flag (2nd) Llancaeach Junior Green Flag (3rd) Llanfabon Infants Platinum Maesycwmmer Primary Green Flag (2nd) Tiryberth Primary Green Flag Ystrad Mynach Primary Silver Greenhill Primary Green Flag

30. Look who’s an Eco School in your cluster group - Share Ideas and Support Each Other School Eco School Award Risca Community Comprehensive Bronze Risca Primary Green Flag (2nd) Ty Isaf Infants Green Flag (3rd) Ty Sign Primary Silver Waunfawr Primary Silver School Eco School Award Pontllanfraith Comprehensive Silver Argoed Primary Green Flag Bryn Primary Green Flag (2nd) Cwmfelinfach Primary Green Flag (2nd) Libanus Primary Green Flag (3rd) Markham Primary Green Flag (3rd) Penllwyn Primary Green Flag (3rd) Ynysddu Primary Green Flag (3rd) School Eco School Award Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni Silver Ysgol Bro Sannon Silver YGG Fargoed Bronze YGG Caerffili Platinum YGG Castell Silver YG Bro Alta Bronze YG Cwm Gwyddon Green Flag YG Trelyn Green Flag (2nd) Ysgol Ifor Bach Green Flag Ysgol Y Lawnt Green Flag (3rd) Ysgol Cwm Derwen Bronze Ysgol Gymraeg Penalltau Silver

31. Green Grin o meter Kids find out how to be greener, healthier and happier with the Green Grin o meter The Green Grin o meter, a web based sustainability index for children and young adults has been developed to raise awareness and understanding of sustainable development and global citizenship. The Welsh version can be accessed at: www.cymraeg.greengrin.co.uk The English version can be accessed at: www.greengrin.co.uk Eco School Green Flag Renewals – New Procedure As part of the Eco Schools programme Keep Wales Tidy have introduced a formal procedure to encourage schools to adhere to the green flag renewal timeframe and to ensure schools receive support working through the Eco Schools programme. • A formal letter addressed to the head teacher is sent to the school six months before Green Flag status is due to expire. The letter will remind the school that an application for Green Flag renewal will be due by the 2nd anniversary of the award. • After the anniversary of the award, with no application having been received, another letter is sent to the school, addressed to the head teacher. In this letter will be stated that the last deadline for application to be received is within 30 school days. • If the school has not sent an application by the last deadline, a standard letter will be sent to the head teacher advising that Green Flag status has been removed. • They will no longer have the permission to display the Green Flag or use the award logo on school documents. The school will be encouraged to continue working towards Green Flag status, but when they do apply for status again, it will be for the 1st Flag.

32. Eco School Platinum Award Information & Criteria In addition to the requirements for a green flag, a platinum school should be able to meet 8 essential criteria and at least half of desired criteria. • Essential Criteria: • You will need to provide evidence/ figures demonstrating the improvements you have made in all 8 topic areas • The school should be regularly undertaking projects in the wider community to further the Eco Schools message (at least once a year) • Eco Schools is on the agenda for staff/ curriculum meetings (once a term) • Eco Schools and issues rasied are regular assembly theme • Desired Criteria: • A short case study of improvements on each topic area over the 4 flag timescale • Wide adult representation on the committee as well as pupils • A whole school Eco Schools inset should be run for current staff • All classes in the school are involved in an aspect of Eco Schools • The whole school has an input in the environmental review process • Parents & the wider community have an input into review and action plan • Most action plan targets and monitoring are achieved through class work • Pupils take key roles in leading meetings • Consistent messages are provided/ mixed messages avoided in relation to ESDGC issues • The governing body is fully informed and involved in Eco Schools • The school has spread good practice ideas to businesses/ local community • Pupils have responsibility for record keeping/ monitoring and feeding back to the school community • The school has undertaken an annual carbon footprint exercise • An extra curricular club is provided for pupils outside Eco Committee

34. Healthy Rivers Project Pupils from Ynysddu Primary School joined groundwork Caerphilly to release a shoal of Salmon Fry into the Sirhowy River. The pupils have been working with Groundwork Caerphilly to learn about the lifecycle of the Salmon and why they are important to the eco system of the river. Healthy Salmon and Trout populations are indicative of a healthy river so the “Healthy Rivers Project”, a partnership between Groundwork Caerphilly, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Natural Resources Wales and the South East Wales Rivers Trust has been working to boost the populations. Physical barriers that stop the Salmon from swimming upstream have been removed and young fry introduced to the river. The Salmon will spend the next one to two years in the river before heading out to sea, it is hoped they will then make the long journey from the sea back upstream to lay their eggs. The eggs were hatched and cared for at the Groundwork Caerphilly Offices, Pontllanfraith, with the help of the pupils from the Ynysddu, the Salmon Fry reached an age and size where they could be released into the river.

35. Fairtrade Schools Scheme Congratulations to the following schools who have achieved Fairtrade School status: Ysgol Y Lawnt – May 2011/ May 2013 Tir Y Berth Primary – July 2011 Hendredenny Park Primary – April 2012 Ysgol Gynradd Gymreag Caerffili – July 2012 Fochriw Primary School – August 2012 Cefn Fforest Primary School – November 2012 St James Primary School – May 2013 Schools need to achieve five goals to achieve Fairtrade School status, these are: 1. Set up a Fairtrade Steering group. (This can be linked to you Eco School Committee or School Council). 2. Adopt A Fairtrade Policy. 3. Commit to Fairtrade Products. (Fairtrade items in the staff room/ tuck shop) 4. Learn about Fairtrade (Cover Fairtrade in at least two year groups, in at least three subjects across the school). There are lots of resources to support you. 5. Take action for Fairtrade (Do at least one event or activity each term, including during Fairtrade Fortnight). An event can be an assembly, coffee morning, presentation – what ever you want to do (big or small) We are running Fairtrade Teacher training sessions to support schools working on the Fairtrade Schools Scheme. For more information about the Fairtrade Scheme in the Caerphilly county borough please contact Tracy Evans, ESD Officer at EVANSTA@caerphilly.gov.uk

36. RESOURCES Christian Aid www.christianaid.org.uk/TeachingResources/ Introduce the global dimension to your school day! Download or order easy to use assemblies, classroom activities and games to help students engage with world issues and reflect on their own role as a global citizen. Christian Aid Week – 12th to 18th May 2013 During Christian Aid week, thousands of people will stand together to speak out for change and raise funds to help some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. It’s a shocking fact that today around 870 million people are desperate for food. That means that one in eight people will go to bed hungry tonight. This year, Christian Aid Week focuses on food security. Our school resources feature the inspiring story Ivana, who lives in the Amazonian rainforest in Bolivia. Her community are working hard to overcome hunger and protect their forest home. Contact Christian Aid for a Christian Aid speaker to lead a school assembly or presentation during Christian Aid Week in your school. Call 02920 844646 or email schoolscymru@cymorth-cristnogol.org Book early as availability is limited. You can also use their assembly and activities to share the story with your class. You can download their primary and secondary resources at: http://learn.christianaid.org.uk/TeachersResources/primary/assembly-christian-aid-week-2013-forest-foods-forever.aspx and http://learn.christianaid.org.uk/TeachersResources/secondary/assembly-christian-aid-week-2013-biting-back-at-hunger.aspx There is also a free interactive whiteboard resource Global Explorers at http://learn.christianaid.org.uk/TeachersResources/primary/global-explorers.aspx for primary schools and meet Ivana from Bolivia – video, worksheet, quiz and case study included.

37. Do you have something you would like to be included in the next edition of Green Links? Achievements, forthcoming and successful events all welcome. Would you like to see your school in the ‘What have schools been up to!’ section. Promoting your achievements helps us to share good practice to schools in the Caerphilly county borough. Would you like to promote an future event or project. Please send any articles and photos by 5th December 2013 for issue 25 Spring 2014. If you have any comments regarding the above information please contact: Tracy Evans, Education for Sustainable Development Officer on 01495 235141 or email : EVANSTA@caerphilly.gov.uk