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February 2006

Sustainable Schools Event 25 January 2006

Hampshire County Council held a Sustainable Schools Event at the Winchester Guildhall on Wednesday 25 January. Over 170 headteachers, teachers and governors from 98 schools attended the event, to listen to presentations on national and local visions for sustainable schools, and to be involved in the debate.

Their views were fed back during a plenary session, and written notes of the round table discussions will help to shape local support for schools and also the national sustainable schools framework, which is being developed by the DfES.

Jeff Stanfield, Hampshire’s County Geography Inspector presented a compelling vision of sustainability and how we must involve children in decisions which affect our future and theirs.

Four pupils from Ropley CofE Primary school: Drew Soul, Harriet Hughes, Kristian Richardson and Kelly Whittaker, with the help of teachers, Anne Perriam and Clare Farrell gave delegates an insight into the wonderful achievements of their Eco-Committee, and provided an excellent example for other schools.

Ringwood School teacher, Gill Hickman then gave an inspiring illustrated talk about the many ways in which they are developing and managing their school sustainably and her enthusiasm encouraged many schools to think about how they could become involved.

Jake Reynolds, Sustainable Development Commission Senior Advisor to the DfES explained a national framework for sustainable schools which is being developed to enable schools to better understand their role; feedback from delegate discussions will be a valuable contribution.

The event was supported by County Council Cabinet Members from Children’s Services and Environment, Cllr David Kirk and Cllr Tim Knight.

Some comments from feedback forms:

"Hearing the Ropley/Ringwood examples helped clarify what I can do to generate enthusiasm for the project at my school"

"The structure of the conference was superb – input from experts then well structured/facilitated discussion involving a range of school partners"

More information is available from the Sustainable Schools Website or contact Anne Green-Wilkinson Anne.Green-Wilkinson@hants.gov.uk