Welcome to the last Leicester Eco-Schools newsletter of the year! news It doesn’t feel like I have been July 2016 working with schools for 2 years! There have been some fantastic achievements in this time with nearly 90 schools now registered on What is Eco-Schools Leicester? the Eco-Schools programme and 8 Leicester City Council has a dedicated Environmental Green Flag Schools in the City at the Education Coordinator based in the Environment Team time of writing! We ran our primary who works with schools to help them become more and secondary conferences and sustainable in all that they do. second celebration event which was As well as one to one support, schools are able to engage well attended and massively through half-termly #EcoTeachmeets, staff training, complimented by all those who resource planning & workshops, an annual Eco-Schools attended. We are already planning a conference & celebration event and keep up to date number of big events in Leicester through a dedicated Twitter account, monthly eBulletins next year to raise the profile of our and termly newsletters. The Eco-Schools programme provides exciting fantastic students, staff and schools opportunities for students in curriculum time as well as in their communities! Keep an eye outside the classroom. Learning outside of the out in September for our Global classroom (LOTC) has been identified as ‘memorable Goals project! Have a restful break, activities leading to memorable learning and positively those who have the summer ‘off’. As contributing to pupil safety’. LOTC provides positive always get in touch if you need any benefits to all groups of young people and supports a support, Lee. rich, relevant, broad and balanced curriculum.

Excellent global, recycling and outdoor learning at Valley Primary School

How to find out more

Lee Jowett Environmental Education Coordinator Phoenix House, King Street, Leicester LE1 6RN [email protected] schools.leicester.gov.uk/eco-schools @EcoSchoolsLCC

Finished reading? Pass on to a colleague Eco-School Awards Since May 2016 Schools can register for Eco-Schools for free at www.eco-schools.org.uk/register Recently registered/re-engaged Fosse Primary School There are 3 levels of award: Bronze, Catherine Junior School Silver and Green Flag. Christ the King Primary School

At Bronze level your school has set up a West Gate School committee, carried out a review, created Holy Cross Primary School an action plan and indicated where Shaftesbury Junior School environmental issues are covered in the Krishna Avanti Primary School curriculum and informed the whole school. Bronze Award Mellor Primary School At Silver level your school has done the Primary School above plus involved the whole school and Evington Valley Primary School wider community, carried out Primary School monitoring and evaluation, created an Rolleston Primary School eco-code and completed one in-depth piece of work from the nine topics. St Thomas More Catholic Academy Highfields Primary School At Green Flag Award status, your school Linden Primary School has done all the above plus carried out Madani Boys School project work in-depth for three of the Madani Girls School nine topics and adopted a procurement Glebelands Primary School policy. Primary School Marriott Primary School Bronze and Silver are self-certified online. Fosse Primary School For Green Flag, schools submit evidence online and are visited by an external Silver Award assessor. Bridge Junior School Schools can also be awarded an instant Rowlatts Hill Primary School Energy Award based on their energy Eyres Monsell Primary School usage. Marriott Primary School

Green Flag Avenue Primary - renewal Overdale Junior School

Newsletter How to find out more Our Eco-Schools newsletters are published 4 Check out the Eco-Schools website at times per year. If you would like to www.eco-schools.org.uk submit an article for the next newsletter, the Or Leicester Eco-Schools website at deadline is 1 September 2016. We ask for up to 200 words, at least 1 photo and schools.leicester.gov.uk/eco-schools contact details e.g. name and email address to [email protected]

Environmental Careers Event

Secondary Schools – book now!

The low carbon sector is one of the largest growth sectors in the 21st Century. Locally, there are over 14,000 people across 700 business already working in this area. Visit the first Leicester Environmental Careers event to inspire students with opportunities in this rapidly growing sector

Students will: • Meet inspiring individuals who • Find out about entry can talk about their careers requirements and qualifications • Help students to make informed needed choices on GCSE and A level • Teachers will have the subjects opportunity to network with • Opportunities to ask questions other professionals

Schools are invited to bring students from Years 9 to 13 on Monday 31 October 2016 from 9.30am to 1pm. The event involves a carousel of interactive and informative workshops on environmental career opportunities. Lunch will be provided.

Maximum group size is 20 students. Please email [email protected] by 7th September 2016 to secure your group

Monday 31 October 2016 City Hall, Charles Street, Leicester 9.30am – 1.00pm Eco-Celebration and Awards Ceremony

On June 27th 2016 we celebrated the hard work of schools in Leicester at our Eco-Celebration in City Hall. We warmly welcomed 7 schools (Sandfield Close Primary School, Bridge Juniors, Overdale Juniors, Sir Jonathan North Community College, Mayflower Primary School, Rowlatts Hill Primary & Humberstone Junior Academy) along with nearly 30 guest judges including 5 City Councillors and representatives from many local environmental organisations. The event was an opportunity for schools to showcase projects which have taken place over the last 12 months.

Projectss came from a wide selection of topics. Judges commented on how difficult it was to pick winners with such enthusiastic students and staff. Following the more formal judging, students were given the opportunity to judge the other schools’ stalls and pick their Eco-Factor. Prizes were kindly announced and awarded by Cllr Sarah Russell, Assistant Mayor for Children and Young People and Cllr Adam Clarke, Assistant Mayor for Energy and Sustainability. On the following pages are the winners for each category. For more information or to contact the school about their project ideas, please contact Lee Jowett. Award for Fairtrade Sir Jonathan North Community College

Fairtraders’ is a Fairtrade Business Co-operative of volunteer students set up at SJNCC. The ‘Fairtraders’ have taken on full responsibility for running a Fair Trade shop – which involves the students marketing, stock-checking, ordering, pricing and selling Fair Trade products – and have run assemblies, events, campaigns and fundraisers promoting the shop and Fair Trade. Most recently they arranged for a Fair Trade speaker to give an assembly about the value of Fair Trade to all year groups. The students involved have created an ethos and movement that is unforgettable. SJNCC is now a certified Fairtrade Foundation school and was awarded a FairAware and FairActive certificate.

Award for International Learning Humberstone Junior Academy

Year 5 - Our refugee project focussed on finding ways to help and support refugees coming into our country. As part of the project students produced booklets to Welcome Refugee Children to Leicester. They were also interviewed by BBC Radio Leicester.

“All students have been a credit to their schools – providing clear information about what they have done (and why) and demonstrating real enthusiasm.”

“Amazing ideas, all of the “Excellent effort from all schools and pupils. Fantastic to see children were very all of the hard work - keep it up!!” knowledgeable about their products. A very “Fantastic to hear so much knowledge and good ideas impressive morning – about improving our environment.” thank you!”

“A quite amazing level of passion from the children. Great to hear them explaining how and why their work matters. Thanks for the invite!” Award for Energy and Water reduction Humberstone Junior Academy

Students in Year 6 focussed on a project around Climate Change persuading people how and why they should reduce their carbon footprint. Their project culminated in a showcase event at Gateway College to parents and extended family. The award was sponsored by Jerry Bottle. Each student additionally received a steel drinking bottle

Award for Health Living - Bridge Juniors

Students at Bridge Junior School recently organised and ran a “Let’s Get Growing” event, involving students, parents and the local community, as part of their Food for Life journey. Partaking in Food for Life has helped the school community to think about the food they eat, where it comes from and how they can ‘grow their own’ in the limited space they have within the school grounds.

“Test” “Test” Award for Waste Minimisation and Recycling - Rowlatts Hills Primary School “Test” Students in Year 2 at Rowlatts Hill Primary School designed and created pencil cases and bags from crisp packets after learning about recycling and the harmful effects that litter can have on the environment. The students chose to use crisp packets as they cannot currently be recycled in Leicester. They then cleaned, cut and folded the packets and attached them together to make pencil cases and bags. Students pitched their idea to a panel of business leaders as part of a school-wide Dragon’s Den competition. The bags were chosen as the winning product. Judge’s Special Award Bridge Junior School

Bridge Juniors were successful in achieving the Judges Special Award. Judges commented that they: had adopted a whole school approach to eco awareness, growing and healthy food; had worked hard to include the whole school and community in their growing project; and were extremely engaging and passionate. One judge even commented that they shall use their Let’s Get Growing ideas in their own projects.

Eco-Factor Award Mayflower Primary School

Mayflower School received the most votes in the Eco-Factor Award. The students were very complimentary to the work that the school had completed in lots of different areas including their fantastic growing area. Comments were made about their innovative ideas on how to reuse everyday items; their beautiful craftwork and their enthusiasm for recycling. Staff and students also loved the use of plastic bottles to grow carrots, with one commenting that they would be using the idea!

“All the schools were fantastic – a “Some really unique and interesting really inspiring, heart-warming ideas! Bottle greenhouses, fair event. Well done to everyone!! trade cakes, healthy eating, welcoming refugees, climate “All students and schools clearly change… all of the projects were committed and passionate about engaging and the children are all so their projects extremely pleased to passionate, they should all be so see so many children interested in proud!” these issues.”

“A great day with some fascinating projects!” Award for Biodiversity and School Grounds Sandfield Close Primary School

‘Have you heard about our herd?’ #500recycledelephants started as a result of Leicester’s Primary Eco Conference. The students who attended loved creating elephants from milk cartons and wanted to share this with the rest of the school. As a result, every student as Sandfield Close made an elephant, then for homework researched an endangered animal, and shared their findings in assemblies and during class discussions. The elephants were showcased on Twitter and in the ‘WOTSpace’ in Highcross Shopping Centre, where others were encouraged to get involved. The project has now transformed into a community project highlighting “Congratulations to everyone recycling and animal conservation. who attended and great to see such amazing projects”

Energy Saving Tips Leaflet at Avenue Primary

Avenue Primary recently had a whole school project designing top tips for how to reduce energy at home! The Eco-team then picked their favorites which were included in a leaflet which was sent home to parents, put in local shops and delivered to local homes. A big thank you to the home energy team for helping out with ideas and delivering the leaflets.

Supports the Eco-Schools energy topic Fruit To Suit

fruit to suit the healthy tuck shop company. fruit to suit is a multi-award winning social enterprise company delivering bespoke, quality assured business and enterprise programmes to primary and secondary Supports the Eco-Schools schools nationwide. Our programmes develop and healthy living topic encourage entrepreneurial skills and a greater understanding of business planning which can then be consolidated by establishing and operating a long term, sustainable healthy tuck shop business.

The aims of the company are to: • Inspire young entrepreneurs • Combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles • Tackle factors affecting health • Develop opportunities for self help How to find out more fruit to suit supplies the healthy tuck shops with an Claire Rawisinki extensive range of healthy snacks and drinks meeting Leicestershire & Warwickshire the School Food Trust criteria to be sold in schools. [email protected] The pupils promote the health benefits to their peers, 07825 684 355 families and local communities with the consequent www.fruittsuit.co.uk benefits to the diet and quality of life within these areas.

Soar River Catchment Free Summer Walks Logo Winner in Leicester

This summer, Choose How You Move are running a series of friendly group walks in different parts of the city. Step out with us as we explore locally. As we walk and talk, we’ll also look out for unmapped footpaths and cycle paths in your area. We’ll share this information to help others plan their journey on foot or by bike. The walks are open to all (children under 16 must be Congratulations to Katy in Y10 at St Pauls accompanied by an adult). No special skills Catholic School who won the Soar River required. Contact: Sara Coy, Leicester City Catchment Competition back in March 2016. Council, E: [email protected] T: Kate won a £50 Amazon Voucher along with 0116 373 7589 or find out more at: £500 for the school. A fantastic achievement www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/path-

and well done to her and the school! finding-walks/ Happy Shoe Day at Avenue Primary

On Happy Shoes Day at Avenue Primary School, lots of children came to school in different shoes and lots of children walked to school.

Gabby and Emma (walk to school champions) went to do a survey around the school to see who walked or did park and stride. We had a target which was 80% and we got 84%! Awesome walking! When we started ‘walk to school’ 2 years ago, only 57% of children were walking or park and stride. How to find out more Sue Pears, Eco-Schools Coordinator We also met Safety Cone Steve (designed by [email protected] Gabby) and Strider popped in to say ‘Hello’. 0116 0270 8326 We did lots of fun activities throughout the day.

Gabby and Emma - Year 6 Supports the Eco-Schools travel and transport topic

Remembrance Day for Lost Species

Remembrance Day for Lost Species: lest we forget. Three species are lost to eternity every hour.

Extinction is studied by scientists. Culturally, however, we risk forgetting the beauty and distinct life of extinct species and our historic relationship with past life forms. This is a chance to learn and tell the stories of those lost in the sixth mass extinction, and to renew commitments to those remaining. Extinctions are invariably linked to the loss of cultures and places too.

Since 2010, people held species memorial events around the UK and internationally. This November 30th, hold your own extinction memorial event – or just light a candle. For more information about event happening nationally or to publicise what you are doing follow the link below.

How to find out more Supports the Eco-Schools [email protected] biodiversity topic @LostSpeciesDay https://www.facebook.com/internationalremembrancedayforlostspecies

Winners of Wild Forest School Teaching Staff Survey

Back in April, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust (LRWT) asked Leicester city teaching staff to complete an online survey to find out how they can be better supported to make the most of their school’s outdoor spaces.

LRWT were pleased with the level of response, with 28 teaching staff from 23 schools taking the time to complete the survey. 23 schools equates to 28% of Leicester primary schools.

As a thank you for completing the survey, each school was entered into a prize draw, with the chance of winning one of three prizes worth £500 to be spent on improvements to their school grounds.

The three winning schools were:  Alderman Richard Hallam Primary School  Barley Croft Primary School Supports the Eco-Schools  Evington Valley Primary School school grounds & biodiversity topic The Trust will publish the results of the survey later in the year.

Free Sustainable Learning Resources

Did you know there are lots of fantastic free resources and ideas available on our website www.sustainablelearning.com to support your Eco-Schools journey? Sustainable Learning is the legacy of Bristol’s year as European Green Capital and we want to carry on connecting teachers with free learning resources and expert knowledge that can inspire children about sustainability. There are templates for your Eco-Schools Environmental Review and Action Plan and brilliant instant display resources as well as ideas and top tips for Green Flag success. We have created an interactive topic web with curriculum-linked lesson plans for each of the nine Eco-Schools themes to help you embed the Eco-Schools scheme across your school. There are plenty of inspirational lesson plans and teaching resources to support teaching about sustainability across the curriculum including tenFieldtrip shortand the award winning Sustainable Shaun game, developed with Aardman Animations to help children learn about creating a more sustainable future. From the www.sustainablelearning.com homepage, select Teaching Resources then filter by theme.

Supports all the Eco-Schools topics Bug Hotel Building and Bird Feeders at Stokes Wood Primary School

In June this year Year 5 at Stokes Wood Primary School spent a morning with Lee Jowett building a bug hotel and producing bird feeders (from cardboard, seeds, coconut oil and cheerios!). It was a very productive morning and based on the literacy activity which Mrs Uppal’s class complete the students thoroughly enjoyed it! This is the fourth bug hotel that has been built this year and is a great way to focus on one biodiversity project, even if you have limited or no green space. It’s also a great recycling activity as you can use lots of old bottles, pots, tiles and even old carpet! For more information please contact Lee.

Supports the Eco-Schools biodiversity topic Free CPD opportunities

The Global Learning Programme (GLP) is a programme funded by the Department for International Development (DFID). The Expert Centre and Partner Schools are supported by a Local Advisor and ALL SCHOOLS receive 8 twilight CPD sessions. In addition, we are offering a free flexible package, worth £8000 of tailored training from local experts. In their School Inspection Update of December 2015 (Issue 5)1, OFSTED draw attention to the Global Learning Programme (GLP) as it ‘maps onto the four Ofsted core judgements and to SMSC’. It is not up to the inspectors to ask if the school uses the programme, but schools can and should highlight how the GLP is contributing to their provision and outcomes for pupils.

Working with local providers to bring you the best As your local Global Learning Centre, the Leicester Masaya Link Group is collaborating with a range of specialists to provide support where you need it most.

How can my school get involved? • Become a Partner School joining a local network of schools to access an extensive menu of CPD options and share your interest in global learning. • Sandfield Close Primary School has recently become an Expert Centre and is looking to recruit schools to become part of their network.

Working with local providers to bring you the best As your local Global Learning Centre, the Leicester Masaya Link Group is collaborating with a range of specialists to provide support where you need it most. These include: • The Global Learning Library • Lifeworlds Learning • The University of Leicester Botanic Garden Supports the Eco-Schools • Leicester City Council Environmental Education Coordinator global dimension topic • St Philip’s Centre • Leicester City Council RE Consultant Adviser • Leicester Learning Services PSHE & Citizenship Advisory Service • A range of subject specialists

What does my school need to do now? • Sign your school up to the Global Learning Programme and complete a short online audit at http://glp.globaldimension.org.uk/registration • Contact Amanda Dhillon, Headteacher at Sandfield Close Primary School to express your interest [email protected] • Appoint a Global Learning Co-ordinator in your school

This offer is FULLY FUNDED and FREE to all GLP SCHOOLS (co-ordinated locally by the Leicester Masaya Link Group, a registered GLP Provider)

1https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/489087/School_inspection_update_January_2016.pdf Food for Life News

Food for Life brings schools and their surrounding communities together around the core ethos of healthy, tasty and sustainable. The programme is about more than just food on the plate; it considers where food comes from and how it’s grown, cooked and experienced. We provide practical advice and support, and reward and celebrate success.

Our School Award supports schools to a take a whole-school approach that sees them grow their own food; organise trips to farms; source food from local producers; set up school farmers’ markets; hold community food events; provide cooking and growing clubs for pupils and their families; serve freshly prepared, well-sourced meals provide an attractive dining environment so lunchtimes are a positive feature of the school day.

Having completed this course you will: • Be aware of the new Ofsted inspection of the dining area. • Be familiar with the aims and objectives of the Food for Life Midday supervisors. Their new programme and its award scheme. role with Ofsted and Food for Life • Understand the important role midday supervisors play at school.

• Have strategies for dealing with some of the common issues faced by

midday supervisors. • Be familiar with positive behaviour management techniques. • If you would like this training for all of your Midday Supervisors specific to your school, then please contact Lisa This will look at the feasibility and practicality of having bees in school on a temporary or permanent basis. This is run by an experienced Bee Keeper Bee Keeping for Schools 7th September, 3-5 pm who worked as a Health and Safety Officer with schools. At Overdale Junior School. Eastcourt Road, Knighton, Leicester LE2 3YA Come and see the innovative work that takes place at Mayflower Primary Network Meeting 19th September, 3.15-5 pm School. Twice winners of 'Grow Your Own Grub'. Discover the advantages and explore the practicalities of keeping chickens w/b 3rd October. Venue and at school. Fullhurst College currently has chickens on the school site and so Keeping Chickens in school date TBC you will see in practical terms what this entails. Half day session at Fullhurst College 1.30 until 4,pm w/b 10th October. Venue Plan your growing area in school with Garden Organic experts. Includes; Garden Organics training and date TBC bedding down for winter and seed collecting.

w/b 24th October. Venue What to grow, cook and make for your Christmas market. This training will Planning your Christmas Market and date TBC also assist you in achieving the Food for Life bronze award criteria.

Wednesday November 2nd. A practical training on how to cook confidently within the curriculum. Easy Cooking Confidently Venue TBC recipes with cross curriculum links.

If you school hasn’t already, you can take advantage of a free package of support thanks to a two-year commission from Leicester City Council’s Public Health Team. We offer: One-to- one support tailored to your school and its priorities, freeteaching resources (opposite), skills-based training days for teachers, school, midday supervisors and your local community in:

 Cooking in the curriculum  Growing in school  Outdoor learning How to find out more  Whole school approach Lisa Didier  Dining environment Local Programme Manager If you would like to enrol please follow this link. You will need Food for Life Partnership the Unique Reference Number for your school. [email protected] www.foodforlife.org.uk/registration/enrol 07718 570945 www.foodforlife.org.uk

Supports the Eco-Schools Healthy living topic

Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic Service

Food for Life with the Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetics Service to Diet and Health Cooking offer a variety of initiatives: • Big Cook Little Cook family cooking sessions. Free training is offered to make this project sustainable within your school. • Lunch Box audit and advice on how to improve packed lunches. • Assistance with school food policy. • Tailored support to the school's needs. Food Safety Shopping

Did you know that:

 If your lunchtime food is City Catering you are over a quarter of the way to completing the Food for Life Bronze award. City Catering have gained the nationally recognised Bronze Catering Mark Award. How to find out more  Even if your school had in-house catering service, Paula Walton Food for Life supports your in-house cooks by running Senior Dietetic Food Route a cooks network. Leicester Nutrition and Dietetic Service [email protected]  There are 37 city schools enrolled onto the Food for Life Programme with 6 schools already awarded 0116 2950332 Bronze; Avenue Primary, Overdale Juniors, Sandfield Close Primary, Stokes Wood Primary, Rolleston Primary and Mowmacre Primary. Supports the Eco-Schools Healthy Living Topic

Public Health England has launched the new UK healthy eating model which replaces the Eatwell Plate -New Eatwell Guide Ashden LESS CO2 programme

Following two very successful clusters in Leicester over the last year, Leicester City Council is supporting Ashden to recruit further schools who would like to participate in this exciting programme in Leicester. The deadline is 14th October 2016.

Please contact Lee Jowett, Environmental Education Coordinator for further details about the Leicester school clusters. We will be running one single cluster of primary and secondary schools. The first meeting will take Supports the Eco-Schools Energy topic place on Wednesday 2 December 2016. Summer Path Mini Cycling Finding Walks Festival Free Summer Walks in Leicester Walks will be between 1 - 1.5 hours. Please We will be running a bike try out, Dr. Bike and arrive 10 minutes early to allow walks to start information stand on time.

- Braunstone Park: 3rd August Abbey Park & Belgrave Gardens (event) - Spinney Hill Park:10th August When: 2pm Sunday 17 July only. - The Rally: 17th August Where: Abbey Park, starting from the Pavilion - Cossington Park: 24th August café, near the Oval. Join us for a scenic stroll from Abbey Park along the river to Belgrave Contact Anna Singleton on 07747118824 Gardens, returning to Abbey Park via the canal.

Evington & around When: Tuesdays at 2pm, from 19 July until 23 August. Balanceability Where: 19, 26 July and 2 August. Meet at St Barnabas Library, 2 French Road, LE5 4AH. Sessions 9, 16, 23 August. Meet at Evington Library 200 Evington Lane, LE5 6DH.

Clarendon Park area Cossington Street Leisure Centre Ball When: Wednesdays at 6pm from 20 July until Court 24 August. 9.45am until 10.30am Tuesday 2nd, 9th,16th Where: Meet outside Knighton Library, and 23rd August Clarendon Park Road.

Spinney Hill Park Ball Court & around 11.30am until 12.15 Tuesday 2nd, 9th,16th When: Thursdays at 2pm from 21 July until 25 and 23rd August August. Where: Meet outside Aylestone Leisure Braunstone Leisure Centre (To be Centre, 2 Knighton Lane East, LE2 6LU confirmed) Thursday 4th,11th, 18th and 25th August Braunstone When: Tuesdays at 2pm, from 30 Aug until 4 Contact: cycle training Oct. Tel: 0116 454 2820 Where: Meet inside Braunstone Library, The BRITE Centre, Braunstone Avenue, LE3 1LE. Email: [email protected]

Woodgate When: Wednesdays at 2pm from 31 Aug until Adult Cycle Training 5 Oct. Where: Meet outside Woodgate Resource Centre, 36 Woodgate, LE3 5GE. Our friendly instructors will teach you road safety skills and help increase your confidence on two wheels. Courses are When: Thursdays at 11am from 1 Sep until 6 open to over 16, regardless of skill level. Oct. Get confident, stay in shape, save money Where: Beaumont Shopping Centre, 25 and help the environment. Beaumont Way, LE4 1DS. Meet by the Go to covered market area near Keeper’s Lodge www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/cycli pub. ng-courses for more details Call 0116 373 7589 or email [email protected] for further information – or simply turn up on the day.

Primary Energy Management

Supports the Eco-Schools energy topic

Take Part in the World’s Largest Lesson

As you pack up your classroom for the summer holidays, why not circle 19 September in your school calendar and get involved in the World’s Largest Lesson? The World’s Largest Lesson is part of Project Everyone, a not-for-profit initiative designed to introduce and strengthen students’ understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); the 17 universal targets to help ensure the world is safer, fairer and more just for all by 2030. If every school in the world were to teach its students about these goals, the potential for global change would be huge. Make a start in September by getting your school to deliver a simple, cross-curricular project centred on the fifth SDG: tackling gender inequality. Lesson plans and resources will be available here from 20 July onwards to be delivered in schools around the world the week of 19 September.

Supports many of the Eco-Schools topics Eco-Code of the Term

This fantastic Eco-Code was recently spotted at Evington Valley Primary School. Congratulations to them on their Bronze Eco-Schools award and look forward to seeing their Silver Award recognition in the new term.

Required for the Silver and Green Flag Eco-Schools award

How to find out more Karen Hambleton Activities Officer [email protected] 0116 257 2730

“The home of natural history” Last autumn saw a dramatic increase in school visits enjoying the colourful time of year and the autumn sun. Not all of the educational discovery and activity sessions are available all year long but the favourites for last autumn were Environmental Art, Seed Search and Shelter Building. After a very rainy June, one teacher pointed out that statistically September is a month that usually has a lower rainfall although, even if schools had a wet visit, the children still had a great time! The secret is simple; children (and accompanying adults) need to wear appropriate waterproof clothing and wellies. There is a box of spare wellies of various sizes at Brocks Hill for children Brocks Hill to borrow for the day. If you would like more information please email: County Park [email protected] Or visit our website: www.brocks-hill.co.uk For general enquiries please ring the centre on: and Centre Leicester (0116) 257 2888 Supports the Eco-Schools biodiversity topic The Crunch Primary Science Training

A big thank you to Sarah Eames and Sandfield Close for hosting our recent primary ‘The Crunch’ training. All schools in the country should have by now received an exciting box of resources & science equipment to help deliver exciting, memorable, cross-curricular experiences in school. All the resources are curriculum linked with lessons plans, practical equipment and drama productions.

We had 23 staff from 19 primary schools attend. Staff had the opportunity to practically use some of the materials and plan how they will use them back in school. They also had the chance to find out about the free support from Food for Life, Leicestershire Dietetic Nutritional and Service (LNDS), Farming and Countryside Education (FACE), Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, Leicester Environmental Education, learn about Leicester’s Food Plan and even had chance to go on the Potato Bus which had been at Sandfield for over a week. The Crunch box was delivered to the ‘The Science Coordinator;’ in primaries and ‘Head of Biology’ in secondary schools. If you haven't received yours please get in touch. Watch out for the re-arranged secondary date in September!

How to find out more Supports many of the Eco-Schools topics Sarah Eames Primary Science Coordinator [email protected] 0116 2660333