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Winner – Martin Thomas, Pontypridd High School
Mr Thomas has taken the lead on environmental issues and set up the Eco Committee and a group of eco friendly pupils cross cutting all age groups. He has worked closely with Streetcare Services and the Environment Agency to turn Pontypridd High into a zero waste school. His initiatives involve each classroom taking responsibility for their waste and recycling by removing waste bins and creating central recycling points. He also arranged for litter picking activities that benefit the school grounds and local environment and has begun recycling food waste from the school canteen. He is a devoted individual giving up his own free time to see Pontypridd High become a zero waste school.
Highly Commended – Eryl Davies, Tref Y Rhyg Primary School
With the commitment shown by Eryl Davies of Tref Y Rhyg Primary have transformed the mainly concrete school yard into a colourful green and bright flowered area. The project has involved staff, pupils, governors, parents and grandparents bringing the community together. The school yard has flower beds, re-used tyres as large plant pots and with the support of the Tidy Towns team they have developed a raised decking area with a pond. Despite the obstacles such as vandalism and financial difficulty, they have created a better environment and have further plans to regenerate the school grounds. They are currently in the process of building a greenhouse using recycled plastic bottles.
Highly Commended – Sian Dennett, Brynna Primary School
With the support of Sian Dennett, Brynnau Primary school has successfully created a “Community Garden” through the combined efforts of the rest of the staff, the school council and eco council. She has worked with the community to regenerate a neglected area of land adjacent to their school. The project aided in developing community cohesion and worked alongside Environmental Services, The Detached Youth Workers, Community Council, Wildlife Trust and local Police. They now have a community garden and outdoor classroom that serves as a vital facility to develop cross-curricular learning of sustainable development. Helping others to succeed is the school’s motto and the project has given pride to the wider community.