Case Study 6 - Northfield Road Primary School, Dudley.

Northfield Road Primary School was the first school to win the 'Dudley Environment School Award' in January 2002. (See case study 5). The school dates back to 1891. It has very limited space in an urban area of Dudley surrounded by a number of small industrial buildings. The staff and pupils at the school have shown incredible imagination and enthusiasm to create an exciting environment.

The school had involved itself in local environmental projects for a number of years and was keen to become involved in the Dudley Environment Schools Initiative. They were able to use previous achievements as part of the accreditation process. The whole school were involved in the process from the onset. A presentation about the scheme and its potential benefits was given by the co-ordinator Mrs. Goodyear. Parents and pupils were involved from an early stage too and given regular updates through the school's monthly newsletter. A considerable amount of time was given to producing the school's environmental education policy, which led on to the production of an action plan that again involved the whole community in its development. Agreed targets were displayed in key areas and everyone was kept informed of progress.

The school has effectively integrated issues relating to the environment into the curriculum and clearly it is recognised as a whole community issue. The staff and pupils have utilised a number of creative methods to improve the environment of the school. This includes the use of large plant pots and raised beds around the school for trees and plants. They have also developed an environmental area in their quad, which has a number of different habitats. These areas are cared for and managed effectively by groups of pupils. Pupils can also be members of 'Green Teams'. Their duties are rotated and each team has a team leader. Duties include management of a range of recycling projects, collecting litter, waste watching (checking lights, taps etc.), playground control and publicity (posters, monthly magazine etc.). The teams produce considerable amounts of data that is posted around the school and clearly illustrates how other subjects such as maths can be supported by an environmental project. The environment has been integrated well across the curriculum and this process has again been led by the environmental co-ordinator.

The school has continued to be involved in national and local environmental projects and pupils show a real understanding and concern of important issues. The environmental focus is a source of great pride for the pupils and they talk knowledgeably and confidently about key issues.

The success of this school clearly illustrates the need for senior teacher involvement, a whole school approach and the involvement of the whole community. Other success factors include the ability to think creatively, the hard work and dedication of a number of staff and the level of communication and transparency of the approach. There is a very strong feel that everyone in the school is involved and accepts that they have a responsibility for the environment. The whole community approach must have been a significant factor in the work to produce the environmental area after some building work in the school had completely destroyed the previous environmental area leaving a pile of rubble in its place.

The success of Northfield Road Primary School is down to passion, teamwork and commitment. The Dudley Environment Schools Initiative has given the school a focus for its development as well as providing a framework, guidance and the incentive of achieving the award.