The aim of Merton’s Green Schools Network and Charter is to put climate education and sustainability on the agenda of all schools in Merton.
This is to help schools reduce their carbon footprint, open opportunities for Merton students in green careers and to create greater connections with nature to help build a sustainable future.
Why should my school sign up to the Network and Charter?
- Receive council support to advance work on environmental pledges, that also contribute to achieving an Eco Schools Green Flag Award.
- Prepare for incoming DfE changes that are included in the Government’s Sustainability Strategy for education and children’s services.
- Access local and industry experts in sustainability through network meetings
- Create opportunities for students to feel more connected to nature, while educating and empowering them to enter careers supporting net zero, biodiversity and the delivery of a sustainable future.
- Joining is free, so there is nothing to lose
What do our teachers say?
Miss Dziewguc – Geography Lead, Malmesbury Primary School
“Merton Green Schools Network is a great initiative that has helped me connect with other schools and institutions in the borough. The meetings we've had enabled me and my school to think more about our sustainability goals.
Thanks to this group, our school has taken part in many new initiatives like Eco Schools and worked with charities such as CSE. I and other colleagues have also signed up for courses related to sustainability and climate change. Overall, I think that this group of dedicated people is a brilliant place for exchanging ideas and initiating a positive change.”
What is Malmesbury Primary School doing to tackle climate change? - A video from their Geography Lead
Video transcript
As a school I think the first thing that we're doing is obviously providing you know high quality education to inform children about issues like climate change, global warming, so they are aware of these issues, but also to leave with the sense that they can have an impact on these things and they're not left with the sort of doom and gloom but they're left with the idea that they are changemakers and we keep using that word actually, changemakers that you can, however small, you can make a positive change.
Get involved
Meetings of the Green Schools Network are held termly (3 times a year) on specific themes e.g. energy, transport, green careers, waste and more, and are targeted at primary and secondary schools in the borough.
If you are a teacher, a governor, a business or site manager, email future.merton@merton.gov.uk to request an invite to the next meeting, and to request access to the Green Schools Network google drive, where you can find helpful resources including:
- The Green Schools Charter and pledge areas.
- Presentations from previous network meetings.
- A collection of sustainability teaching resources.
- Guidance on setting up an eco-team or creating a school Sustainability Lead.
- Funding opportunities for school-based environmental projects.