Harris Moore Environmental Awards presented
Last updated | 05/06/2008
Thursday 5 June 2008 sees schools from the length and breadth of Perth and Kinross come together at the AK Bell Library for the announcement of the winner of this year’s Harris Moore Award.
This year 19 schools participated in the competition with projects ranging from reducing carbon footprints to school grounds enhancements. The outright winner for 2008 is Luncarty Primary School, who demonstrated excellence in all areas of the judging criteria and received a framed certificate and a cheque for £250.
Luncarty's project focussed on reducing the carbon footprint of the school and developing the school grounds. Herbs were planted and a rustic bridge was erected along with bird houses and bird feeders. The children showed a good knowledge of biodiversity and kept a thorough photographic record of their achievements.
The judges considered the project to be very well planned and integrated into the school's learning and teaching activities. The school and wider community were involved, and pupils were engaged and motivated, taking ownership of the project and recognising the difference they could make to their local environment. They had also shared their experiences with others in a range of ways.
Braco Primary School, Stanley Primary School and Comrie Primary School each receive a certificate of excellence for their environmental projects and a runner-up cheque for £100.
Six certificates of merit were also awarded to Viewlands Primary, St Ninian's Primary, Burrelton Primary, Struan Primary, St Dominic’s Nursery and Kinnoull Primary. Each school receives a certificate of merit and a cheque for £50.
Other schools that took part in the competition received a certificate of participation and a £10 voucher to spend on their projects; these being Crieff Road Pre School Centre, Friarton Nursery, Letham Primary, St Dominic’s Primary, Perth Academy and Tulloch Primary.
Judges for this year’s competition, Janice Taylor and Fiona Hair, both retired teachers, praised the very high standard of the environmental initiatives competing for the Harris Moore Award. Pupils demonstrated an in depth knowledge of environmental issues and gave enthusiastic presentations about the projects undertaken to enhance their school grounds and local community. The judges were also favourably impressed that the activities demonstrated an excellent example of how local children and young people are developing active and responsible citizenship skills.
Provost John Hulbert, who will present the Harris Moore Award, said: "It gives me great pleasure to celebrate the achievements of local schools to protect and care for their environment. All the schools involved should be congratulated for their commitment to making Perth and Kinross a great place to live."
