PIDDLE Valley First School flew the flag to mark their new Green School Revolution.

The “green pioneers” pledged their support to save the planet after registering with the new green initiative, the Co-operative’s Green Schools Revolution programme.

This sees various practical environmental studies brought to life both inside and outside the classroom and is available free to all UK schools.

The programme brings together a host of learning materials and practical opportunities, such as free green school trips which aim to help teachers, parents and children take care of the environment in a fun and active way.

Tracey Jones, Piddle Valley School head teacher, said: “Having the children’s involvement is great, they’re learning a lot about eco issues, recycling and sustainable development.

We also have local parents and members of the community leading the project and following the architect’s plans, who are constantly looking for new members and sponsors for resources.” She added that 23 schools around the country were involved in the initiative so far, and part of the school’s plan also involves ‘forest schools’, which use natural wooded areas for co-operation and learning, and can also be used by local schools and pre-schools.

She said: “In the future, we are building towards becoming an Eco-School. We already have textile recycling, but we want to learn more about food recycling and also add a plastic recycling area to the school for the local community.”

Andrew North, the Co-operative Regional Secretary in the South and West, said: “We want to ensure the next generation are better equipped for the challenge of building a more sustainable world. We want them to take the message home to their parents and communities and to grow the Green Schools Revolution even further.”

From learning about where food comes from, to visiting a wind farm and setting up a walking bus, the various activities and resources are designed to bring environmental learning to life, and inspire the next generation of green pioneers.

For more information and for schools to register for free, visit greenschools.coop.