St Mary’s Colchester’s Eco-aware Initiatives 

Environmentalism and sustainability are integral to the school ethos at St Mary’s Colchester School and are reflected in the school development plan and curriculum.  

Concerted efforts in this area first began in 2007 following an audit of the school’s environmental practices. An Eco Team was established and included an eco co-ordinator, the school caretaker and student volunteers. The team formulated an Eco Action Plan to reduce waste, re-use and recycle resources and they ensure the plan is revisited on an annual basis. 

Eschewing the trend for ‘eco bling’, the team focused on driving through small, sustainable activities that would truly make a difference. Some of these initiatives have included recycling all packaging for Art projects, utilising Freecycle to obtain or donate resources,  recycling school uniform for cash to re-invest in eco projects, creation and maintenance of a fruit and vegetable school garden, and biodiversity studies.  

School refurbishment projects presented another opportunity to improve environmental practices and prompted the school to explore options such as timed lighting and the installation of photovoltaic solar panels. Energy consumption has declined, as has water consumption, due to a greater awareness of the importance of conserving resources, and as a result of new energy and water saving devices. 

There is a new focus each year; this year has involved a focus on reducing plastic waste and as a result, the school has banned disposable water bottles. The team are always looking for fun and innovative ways to engage students and staff, from the bi-annual ‘Grub in a Tub’ competition (edible plants grown in containers from guitars to suitcases!) to the school’s annual ‘Trashion’ show (modelling outfits made of recycled materials). 

All staff take part in the school’s annual ‘Eco Week’ and plan appropriate lessons and activities with an environmental theme.