The final piece of our puzzle was the Eco- Code. This 'mission statement' was to represent us as a committee and our aims for our school community. Having discussed what we wanted our Eco-Code to say, we worked collaboratively with the Writing Club to come up with an acrostic poem.

We selected the word 'Growth' as we felt it represented where we have come over the last year, what we have achieved, but that we still have so much work to do. With the help of our LHS community, we know we will continue to make positive changes on our eco-journey.

We have been documenting our Eco-Schools programme and have recently submitted our application for a 'Green Flag' accreditation. We are thrilled to say that we have just received news that our application was successful!

We received some wonderful feedback from the Eco-Schools team. They said "It’s clear your Eco-Committee are constantly considering what actions they can take to improve their local community and benefit our planet. Acknowledging there is a problem is a great first step and it’s incredible to see you are enthusiastic to tackle these with the various solutions listed in your Action Plan. Your Action Plan shows that your Eco- Committee have carefully considered how they can involve their entire school in their planned Eco-Schools’ activities to achieve maximum impacts and raise awareness amongst their school community. Your Eco- Board and acrostic poem are beautifully designed, easy to follow with a powerful message. It’s a great reflection of the ethos your Eco-Committee have created, well done to all involved! Thank you so much for submitting such a terrific application. We have loved reading about your journey and are incredibly impressed by all you have achieved. We have no hesitation in awarding you an Eco-Schools Green Flag - congratulations!"

The Eco-Committee were supported by Theale based waste management company, Hubba Ltd, who provided a waste workshop for students, helped to build a bug hotel and came to present the Green Flag to the Committee, which they kindly funded. Debbie Bale, Accounts and Sustainability Champion for Hubba, said “Hubba Limited are proud to have played a part in supporting Little Heath School on their inspiring journey to combat waste, increase biodiversity and champion sustainability! The Eco Committee and Eco Coordinator, Mrs Saunders have taken a proactive approach in making the school and pupils more environmentally friendly and aware. It has been a pleasure for Hubba to work with the school and we are delighted to present them with the Eco School Green flag symbolising a commitment to a greener, more eco-conscious future.”

Emma Saunders, Little Heath School's Eco-Schools Coordinator, said “I am so proud of the passion and commitment the students in the Eco-Committee have shown over the last year in driving change for the good of our school, the wider community and our planet. We have had the opportunity to work with some fantastic organisations and local people who have supported us and championed our students. We hope the Green Flag award will act as a springboard for continued change at our school.”

Year 12 student, Aaron, said “I was excited by the idea of making positive changes in our school, especially since I had never had any opportunities to do sustainability work before. I had a lot of ideas on how we could be more sustainable and felt that this was the perfect way to not only suggest them, but to be involved in actually making them happen.”

Eco-Schools England Manager, Adam Flint, said: “The Eco-Schools Green Flag award is an internationally recognised symbol of high environmental standards. The pupils and school staff that earn the award deserve immense credit for their hard work, determination, and creativity. Their passion for protecting our planet is an inspiration to us all.” To learn more about Eco-Schools head to www.eco-schools.org.uk

For more information about the work of the Eco-Committee, click here.