In November 2008, the ESD Network asked all Bolton schools to complete a questionnaire about Sustainability education. Here's what the results showed...
61 schools, nurseries and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) responded to a request for current information - i.e. 45% of schools. They answered questions on what they're already involved in, the priorities their schools have identified and the value (or otherwise) of involvement with the ESD Network. Many of the questions were similar to the last schools audit which was carried out in 2003 to enable some comparisons to take place.
What does a typical Bolton school look like?
The typical Bolton school is likely to: be involved with Healthy Schools (95%), recycle paper (98%) and cardboard (87%) and have (or be working on) a school travel plan (75%). Most schools have a group that co-ordinates sustainability planning (82%). 79% include ESD in their curriculum and almost all schools (97%) give pupils opportunities to do practical work to improve their environment. However the typical school won't have a sustainable purchasing policy (only 11%) and most schools aren't able to release teachers to attend out-of-school ESD events.
What's changed since the last Audit in 2003?
There have been huge increases in recycling rates - these have generally at least doubled (paper, cans, glass) in 5 years! Other recycling and composting has risen from zero to at least 50% of schools
Since 2003, the number of schools with "Eco clubs" (or similar) has doubled.
From 82% in 2003, schools have increased still further the opportunities for pupils to take practical action to improve the environment to 97%
Schools are more likely to hold specific events to raise the profile of Sustainability issues (this has almost doubled)
Despite these increases in practical action, schools are less likely to mention sustainability or environmental concerns in their School Improvement Plan
Some interesting questions..?
What caused the significant increases/decreases?
Is the increase in practical action linked to the increase in pupils' committees?
The 2003 Audit suggested that schools wanted help collecting recyclable materials. The schools recycling scheme (2007) has had a large take-up. What other improvements might be made to help schools achieve even more?
What next..?
These results have been shared with the organisations that are members of the Network so they can plan their activities with this information in mind
In Spring 2009 the Network consulted with children & young people about what they think should be our priorities
Youth MPs met twice with the ESD Officer.
UPDATE
The children & young people's Consultation involved 169 children from 14 schools or groups from throughout Bolton. The results can be seen on the next page of this website.
Steve Harrold presented the audit results and had a lively and positive discussion with the Youth MPs and their deputies. They have joined the ESD Network and continue their campaigning work.
If you want to know more about the audit results, email Steve at: steve.harrold@bolton.gov.uk
