An Aberdeen school has been awarded for its work to help the environment.
Orchard Brae School, an additional support needs facility, has been given the Green Flag award from Eco-Schools Scotland, part of Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The notification letter described the school’s award as “an outstanding achievement” and the school’s application for award status as “a truly fantastic application which was a pleasure to read”.
The achievement was pupil-led with the guidance of principal teacher Amy Dunnett, who submitted the application and met the seven criteria required to achieve the award.
The criteria included devising an action plan and environmental statement, involving the local community and linking the Northfield school’s environmental work to the curriculum.
Food growing and harvesting, measuring and reducing food waste, opening a school boutique were just some of the innovations introduced by Orchard Brae pupils, who are now planning to write a school cookbook which will be developed in an environmentally sustainable way.
Councillor John Wheeler, education operational delivery convener, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by the pupils, staff and the entire Orchard Brae community.
“We said from the outset that Orchard Brae would be more than a school; that it would act as a community hub.
“This award certainly bears that out and I would like to congratulate everyone involved”.
Orchard Brae School, on Howes Road in Aberdeen, also features a special playground and sensory garden for children with additional support needs, as well as an independent living unit, where older children can learn essential skills for their transition into adult life.
