Eco Council

Our school vision includes helping children to learn how to build a better world. We intend for our pupils to develop a passion for this and to start thinking about how they can personally and collectively make a positive impact, starting from their immediate environment. The Eco Council’s intent is to give this opportunity to pupils to independently develop ideas and actions that they can then share with St. John’s pupils in school, as well as our wider school community. The work of the Eco-council will complement, exemplify and highlight further environmental learning opportunities that are woven throughout our curriculum.

Courage: pupils develop the ability to question the threats to the environment and their effects on their own lives.
Wisdom: pupils learn to reflect on the actions and impact of people on the environment and adopt better behaviours for themselves.
Compassion: pupils become compassionate environmentalists not only to impact their small area but the whole wide world. They show compassionate understanding towards groups of people and wildlife particularly affected by environmental issues.

Eco‑councillors are selected from each Year 5 and 6 class. Interested pupils submit a short presentation explaining why they would make a strong eco‑councillor, before being interviewed by the SLT and the lead teacher. Two pupils from each class are chosen to form the St John’s Eco Council.

Selection focuses on pupils who show genuine passion, creativity and the independence needed to help improve the school community’s environmental actions. The council meets weekly and begins the year by creating an action plan with guidance from the lead teacher. Eco Councillors take part in school assemblies and work closely with the School Council, SLT, governors, PTFA and the wider school community to achieve their goals.

St. John's Eco-Refill Shop - Bubble Up!

Bubble Up is our exciting monthly eco refill shop, run entirely by our enthusiastic Year 5s! From choosing and ordering stock to serving customers and managing the money, the children are fully in charge of every aspect of the shop. We sell a range of eco-friendly products including shower gel, shampoo, washing up liquid, and laundry detergent. This hands-on experience not only helps them develop valuable entrepreneurial skills but also sparks their passion for sustainability. By encouraging refills and cutting down on single-use plastics, Bubble Up is a fun and meaningful way for the children to make a real impact on the environment.

Cut Your Carbon

Pupils take part in our Cut Your Carbon initiative throughout a term, using our checklist to guide a range of environmentally conscious actions. We’ve seen some fantastic examples of their commitment — from trying out delicious vegetarian cooking and scooting or biking to school, to adjusting home thermostats, lowering washing‑machine temperatures, and choosing second‑hand clothing.

Their enthusiasm and creativity have made a real difference, showing how small everyday choices can help protect our planet

St John's Walham gree CofE Primary School Celebrates Another Eco-Schools Green Flag Triumph!

We are proud the achieve the Green Flag with distinction for a second year.

St John's Eco Eagle

Eco‑councillors check the classrooms every day to decide which class has been environmentally conscious enough to host the Eco Eagle. The pupils wait eagerly for the announcement in assemblies.

Biodiversity

Eco council is also responsible from instilling a love of all living things including plants to everyone in the school.  Growing different plants, attract bees and fill bird feeders are parts of their responsibility.  They visit classrooms and involve all pupils in their efforts. 

This year all classes planted strawberries and participated a Strawberry baking competition.

Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots  

We work closely with Roots & Shoots, a wonderful charity organisation founded by the inspiring Jane Goodall. Some of our Eco Councillors were invited to the Jane Goodall Hope Gala, where they proudly represented our school, speaking about our environmental work and carrying forward Goodall’s legacy.

 Please see our climate action plan here.