West Park Academy takes part in The Eco-Schools programme as it provides a unique opportunity that empowers pupils to lead change within their school and have a positive impact in their wider community. The programme encourages pupils of all ages and abilities to work together to develop their knowledge and environmental awareness. Independent research into the Eco-Schools programme in England found evidence of the positive impacts on pupils, including increased confidence, development of leaderships skills, improved pupil well-being and behaviour and greater motivation at school.

The Eco-Schools programme consists of three structural elements – The Seven Step Framework, the Eco-Schools Topics and assessment for the international Green Flag award. While the Seven Steps are the most important aspect of the Eco-Schools programme - Eco Committee, Environmental Review, Action Plan, Curriculum Links, Informing and involving, monitoring and evaluation and eco-code leading to the Green Flag Award! West Park Academy also work on topics to help give the programme even more structure; marine, biodiversity, energy, litter, global citizenship, healthy living, school grounds, transport, waste and water.

Since committing to the Eco schools programme, West Park Academy has gained its Bronze award in 2006, its Silver award in 2008, its first Green Flag Award in February 2015, its second Green flag in January 2017 and its most recent Green flag in May 2019. 

We are currently in the process of completing an audit to renew our Green Flag award.