Henry Bloom Noble receives international award for environmental sustainability

'Green Flag' status for green initiatives 

A primary school in Douglas has been awarded ‘Green Flag’ status for showing ‘exceptional dedication’ to the environment.

Staff and children at Henry Bloom Noble, on Westmoreland Road, have been recognised with the accolade for demonstrating sustainable practices.

The school's Eco Committee helps pupils learn about global issues – like climate change and biodiversity – and offers activities including creating wildflower areas, recycling, litter picking and composting.

Zara, Ava, Ryan, Rory and Mikela are some of the so-called 'Eco Children'.

Manx Radio's Christian Jones caught up with them and their teacher Miss Jones:

Miss Jones has described the process of earning ‘Green Flag’ status as ‘long and rigorous’ and something that required written, photographic and ‘impactful outcome’ evidence.

She’s thanked a number of local organisations including Beach Buddies, the Manx Wildlife Trust, Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch and Robinsons who have supported the school.

After working through the bronze and silver awards over the last five to six years the school will now continue to work at ‘gold’ quality level.

Miss Jones added: “We'll make sure that the Eco Committee ethos is trickled down and embedded into new starters and cohorts of children as they move through the school by offering fun and creative learning activities, teamed with life skills to support a curiosity approach.

"We’d also like to encourage our wider school community to take part in things such as second-hand clothes sales to encourage sustainability and the children are very keen to plant more trees and look after our local eco systems.  

“We want to continue to raise awareness around the importance of looking after our planet if we want our children's children to have a future where they can thrive."