Being a parent or student at Mougins British International School you might have heard the term eco-school crop up throughout the campus or on our website and newsletter. However, you might not have fully understood what it entailed. We sat down with Valentina Deidda, our eco-coordinator, to get a better insight into what eco-school means and the kind of events they organise. 

Valentina described the programme as “a worldwide project that puts students in charge of protecting our planet. Instead of just learning from books, we use our own school to take real action for the environment.”. The Eco-schools programme originally launched in 1994 in Denmark, Germany, Greece and the United Kingdom with the support of the European Commission. It was created with the intention of promoting environmental learning globally. Mougins School began our eco-school journey four years ago through the inspiration of Carmen Burgues, our Spanish teacher.

Eco-school each year focuses on a different theme and follows a student-led process of discovery. This year our theme is ‘Health’, encompassing both mental and physical wellbeing. Through this programme, Valentina and the rest of our staff attempt to raise awareness of important current issues while empowering students to see how they can have a genuine positive impact on the people around them and their community. One of the most significant features of the eco-school programme is how much the students involved get to take charge and have a sense of control over the impact they make. This year the key students involved are our Sixth Form eco-delegates, Andrea, Marguerite, Sophie A., Sophie R., Alexandre, Emilia, Guy, and Layla. Valentina beams with pride over the positive contribution and passion of her co-delegates, as she says “they are at the heart of the team, every green choice we make starts with the students, showing that you have the power to make our school a better place.” 
While the Sixth Form eco-delegates lead the way, Eco-School truly involves the whole school community. Valentina shares ideas, activities, and short videos with tutors that encourage students in every year group to take small, meaningful actions and reflect on wellbeing, kindness, and sustainability. From creating Zen Dens in Primary classrooms to discussing simple eco-friendly habits, everyone gets a chance to participate and contribute. This collaborative approach ensures that Eco-School isn’t just a programme for a few, it’s a shared journey that brings the entire school together in caring for people and the planet.

Our eco team have been working tirelessly in preparation for Eco-Week which will take place from the 16th to 20th of March. With the highlight on Friday, Health day on which the whole school will join together to enjoy fun eco-themed activities and celebrate as a community. 
Not only that, but these 8 scholars will be heading to the International School of Monaco for the Sustainability Summit. As ISM describes it “this three-day summit will bring together students, teachers and leaders from national and international systems of education, with policymakers, leaders in business and industry and climate experts.” 

Through the organisation and participation in events like Eco-Week and the Sustainability Summit, students involved in eco-school gain incredibly refined organisational, communicative and leadership skills. They not only learn about our world's natural environment and social systems but they gain skills and connections that will highly benefit them in university and beyond. Valentina encourages students to join eco-school as it is “a fantastic way to turn curiosity into real action". She goes on to call out to all the different kinds of students whose talents might be valued in the programme. “Eco-Schools are for the passionate students who truly care about the Earth and want to do something about it. It’s for the confident ones who are ready to stand up, use their voice, and lead the way for others. And it’s for the creative minds who see problems and think, "I have a better way to do this." "