Eco-Schools
Cultivating a Sustainable Future
At our senior school, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders through our Eco-Schools programme. This initiative not only instills a deep appreciation for sustainability but also equips our students with practical skills to contribute to a healthier planet.
Green Flag Award
A Call For Action
Our Eco-Schools programme is more than just an educational initiative; it is a call to action for students, parents, and the community. Together, we can inspire a greener future and make a lasting impact on our environment. By participating in these activities, our students are not only learning valuable skills but also becoming ambassadors for sustainability, ready to lead the way towards a more sustainable world.
Tree Trail Project
This year we are working on a project to help us renew the Green Flag Award. The Green Flag is an international award granted to schools for their continuous effort in improving their school sustainably.
Our project’s name is the “Tree Trail Project”. We conducted an environmental review to assess what the pupils in our school know about the environment surrounding the school. We are currently identifying the indigenous and alien plants, particularly trees, present on the school grounds, and plan on preparing a booklet to spread more awareness about these species.
Collaboration with Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council
Wied Qierda: Clean Up of Alien Species
On the 11th February 2025 the Local Council along with the EkoSkola team organised an activity to go to Wied Qierda and remove alien species from the locality. We were divided into 5 groups of 6. Each group had different things to work on. Three groups worked on picking up garbage, and two groups cut down many alien species. In the space of an hour, hundreds of Castor Oil plants were removed. This was the ideal time to remove them before their seeds matured and spread further. The Castor Oil is an opportunistic species that spreads uncontrollably in the valleys, consequently replacing native plants and trees.
Clean Up of General Waste near the School Perimeter
On the 18th March the Local Council along with the EkoSkola team has organised another activity to go around Ħaż-Żebbuġ for a clean up within the community. Three groups of eight were given 2 black trashbags and a weighing scale. One group went around the school community to collect garbage whilst the other two groups walked around Ħaż-Żebbuġ to pick up more general waste. By the end of the outing, we had seven full black garbage bags; three weighed 5 kilos, two weighed 3 kilos, one weighed 4 kilos and the other weighed 2 kilos. Lots of waste was collected mostly plastic.
Growing Local Vegetables
Organic Vegetable Patch
Our students actively participate in maintaining a vegetable garden. This hands-on experience teaches them about sustainable agriculture, promotes healthy eating habits, and underscores the importance of local food production. By growing their own vegetables, students learn the value of fresh produce, and the environmental benefits of reducing food miles.
Olive Picking and Oil Production
In our olive grove, students engage in the entire process of olive picking and oil production. This activity highlights the importance of reducing food waste and producing high-quality, sustainable products. Through this experience, students gain a deeper understanding of traditional agricultural practices and the significance of sustainability in food production.
Past and Ongoing Projects
Reducing Plastic Use
To combat plastic pollution, we have installed a reverse osmosis system, funded by the sales of our vegetables. This system provides the school with clean drinking water and significantly reduces the use of single-use plastic bottles. Additionally, we encourage students and parents to bring their own mugs and cups to school events, further minimising plastic waste and promoting a culture of reuse.
Growing and Selling of Plants
As part of their hands-on learning, students grow small plants from cuttings. These plants are sold during various school activities, promoting the importance of plant propagation and green living. This activity teaches students about the life cycle of plants and the benefits of cultivating greenery in their surroundings.
