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Green-Schools is the Irish branch of an international environmental education programme and award scheme known as Eco-Schools. It is designed to raise students' awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues through classroom study. Green-Schools is run by An Taisce, in conjunction with local authorities. The scheme offers a way to take environmental issues from the curriculum and apply them to the day-to-day running of the school, for example reduce litter, waste and fuel bills. This process helps students to recognise the importance of environmental issues and take them more seriously in their personal and home lives.

 

The Green-Schools award is given to schools that successfully complete the programme. A Green-Schools award is in the form of a Green Flag that can be flown outside the school or displayed in a foyer. Award winners also receive a certificate, a logo to display on headed notepaper and other publicity material.

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The Active School Flag (ASF) is awarded by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) to schools that strive to achieve a physical educated and physically active school community. The initiative is open to primary and post primary schools, special schools and Youthreach centres.

The Active School Flag is awarded to schools that:

• Adhere to DES guidelines regarding physical education (PE) timetable provision for all students

• Teach a broad and balanced PE curriculum

• Inform and invite the whole school community to participate in the ASF process

• Self-evaluate current provision in terms of PE, physical activity and community links

• Plan and implement improvements for each of the above areas

• Organise an Active School Week as part of the annual school calendar

The ASF is a whole-school process. It also helps schools to forge closer working links with parents, the local community and outside agencies to help promote physical activity and sport. It is non-competitive and schools should work to their own time frame to plan and implement improvements that will have an effect on their school community. Each of the steps of the ASF process is described in more detail in the ASF Guidelines Booklets.

An Active School Flag (Blue Flag) is awarded to schools that successfully complete the ASF process.

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