Schools’ great challenge
Marks & Spencer joined forces with the Council to announce the environmental initiative last year. This was linked to the opening of the first ‘green’ store in Galashiels which saw a £35,000 investment in the project, designed to encourage schools to identify and present a project based on an environmental theme with a focus on sustainable development.
Not only does the challenge give primary and secondary schools the opportunity to win cash prizes, the funding from M&S has given the Council its first dedicated Eco-Schools Development Officer who is supporting schools in work towards achieving their goals within the local competition and also the Eco Schools international award programme.
Katharine Cotter, this year’s Eco-Schools Development Officer, said: “There is a huge amount of excellent work taking place in schools across the Borders so we are keen for schools to enter their work into the competition.
“We are taking a different approach to judging this year. After an initial shortlisting process we will visit schools to see first-hand the fantastic work taking place.”
Last term’s winners in the primary category were Kirkhope, second was Tweedbank and third was Cockburnspath.
The secondary school category was won by Jedburgh Grammar followed by Peebles High with Hawick High third.
For more information