School goes green

Hemsworth Arts and Community College was granted the Gold Clean Green Schools Award following a sustainability and environmental awareness campaign.

The college was required to compile a portfolio of evidence highlighting its efficiency through recycling, environmental education and community projects, presented as part of an authority-wide celebration of the work that schools have been doing across the Wakefield area.

Catherine Sykes, personal development and well-being leader for the college, said: “All primary and secondary schools were invited to submit an entry and we were the only secondary school that received a gold award.

“We had to compile a portfolio of evidence of all the things we’re doing towards sustainability in areas such as composting, gardening, recycling, engaging with outside agencies, engaging with the community and environmental education.”

The college is continuing its green theme next month, when pupils will work with Wakefield Council to recognise different energy saving methods and techniques over a 12 week period.

Stephen Foster, assistant principal, said: “We have to inform young people about decisions they’re going to have to make. It’s their environment and community that will be affected.

“It’s part of our aim to develop the child as well as their academic achievements. That’s what we’re about.”