Green Flag award for Tullos Primary School
20 April 2005

Pupils and staff at Tullos Primary School are celebrating after becoming the first primary in Aberdeen to receive a prestigious Eco-School Green Flag environmental award.

In order to gain a Green Flag, children must show they are aware of environmental issues and prove they are tackling these in their school and community.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag is a recognised and respected eco-label for environmental education and performance, and is only awarded to high-achievers.

As a committed Eco-School, Tullos has established a school garden at the rear of the building, which involves all the classes in growing annuals and vegetables, as well as improving the general look of the school with colourful windowboxes and hanging baskets.

Everyone is encouraged to look after the school grounds, including local residents, who have been asked to help with a 'School Watch' programme.

Over the years, pupils have also run a litter campaign, recycled paper, phones, clothes, cans, stamps and envelopes, and encouraged everyone to save electricity and water.

Ellen Smith, headteacher of Tullos Primary, said the award was testament to the hard work of all the children, staff, parents and the wider community around the school.

"We are absolutely delighted that the school has achieved this honour, which rewards the ongoing enthusiasm of the children and staff.

"The Green Flag inspection team spoke to pupils about their involvement and said how impressed they were with all the environmental activities going on and how knowledgeable all the children were.

"Taking part in the programme is also a performance measure for one of the National Priorities in Education - values and citizenship, which helps the children to become aware of their responsibilities as valued members of a community and to develop respect for themselves and other people.

"As well as developing excellent links with the local community, the pupils continue to have greater awareness and respect for the environment."