Being an Ambassador Eco-School is recognition that we are an inspirational flagship Eco-School, with exceptional levels of pupil leadership and whole school support which ensures sustainability is embedded in the school ethos. As an Ambassador Eco-School we have successfully delivered a change in the culture of the school and will be able to demonstrate successful pupil and community interaction.  

Eco Success at our School
 McClintock Primary School in Seskinore have been awarded their third prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag by the environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. The School was also only one of five schools province-wide, to be awarded Eco-Schools Ambassador
status at the latest Eco-Schools Teachers Conference 2019. 

The Eco-Schools Programme is the world’s largest Environmental Education programme and aims to make environmental
awareness and action an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of a school. Its participatory approach and combination of learning and action makes it an ideal way for schools to begin improving the environments of schools and their local communities.

Eco-Schools work through a simple seven-step process resulting in the programme becoming central to the school’s ethos. Schools can choose from ten eco-topics ranging from litter and waste to energy, biodiversity and transport to name a few. Eco-Schools work towards achieving awards – bronze, silver and the prestigious Green Flag.

The internationally recognised Green Flag is this highest award given to Eco-Schools and symbolises excellence in the field of environmental activity.

Nigel McGarry and Jill Eagleson, who assessed the school, said on awarding the school their latest accolade, “McClintock PS has an exemplary whole school approach with Eco work embedded in the school development plan and their overall ethos. The school is delivering the Eco-Schools approach in such a wide variety of ways and to all key stages. Furthermore, they have a history of delivery which they have
built upon showing their long term dedication, commitment and consistency. Truly impressive – a credit to the community that they serve and the Eco-Schools programme.”

Mrs Sarah Thompson, Eco Co-Ordinator at McClintock Primary School, was delighted to accept the Eco-Schools Ambassador Award at the latest Eco-Schools Teachers Conference 2019. As part of this role over the next two years, the School will be working closely with both the other Ambassador schools and local eco schools on their journey in education for sustainability. Importantly, the award is recognition for the outstanding Eco work McClintock does at school and they are referenced as a model of best practice throughout Northern Ireland.

The School’s Eco Committee are very passionate about reducing their impact on the local environment. The school recycles a range of items, including batteries, stamps and used reading glasses. The children have been having a class competition to see who can recycle the most bottle tops. These will be sent away to be recycled to create anything from furniture to fleecy clothing! 

The Eco-Committee also regularly patrol the pavements with and local play-park their litter-pickers on the mission to keep Seskinore village
free from litter. The School are part of the ‘Adopt a Spot’ Scheme where they keep the local village clean.

The International Eco-Schools Programme is operated in Northern Ireland by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and is a free to enter programme. Please visit www.eco-schoolsni.org for further information.