Flag-flying time for Harpenden school’s eco-activists

A school’s excellence in the field of environmental activity has been flagged up once again.

Sir John Lawes (SJL) in Harpenden has been awarded an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award for the sixth year after meeting criteria such as having an active eco-committee, taking action on a wide range of environmental topics and linking it to the curriculum.

The award assessor who visited the school was particularly impressed with the creativity of students which could be seen through some of the video campaigns that they had produced, the recycled SJL mug they organised and other activities such as the Christmas card bunting which they designed for offices around the school.

Headteacher Claire Robins said: “At SJL we consider it a vital part of our work to ensure that our students leave school with a good understanding of their responsibilities as global citizens and external awards such as these provide us with recognition of the hard work carried out by our staff and students.”

And Year 13 student Susi Latham added: “We’ve had great fun in Eco-Schools over the past year, working to make Sir John Lawes even more environmentally friendly so it was brilliant to see our efforts pay off as we were accredited the Green Flag Award.”

The Green Flag is not the only accolade to be received by SJL - it has once again been awarded the British Council’s International School Award in recognition of the global learning opportunities that it provides.

The award reflects outstanding work in international education such as through links with partner schools overseas.

John Rolfe from the British Council said: “Sir John Lawes School’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award.”