Hillcrest school scores eco award
Hillcrest High School celebrates Platinum-1 Award from the Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa Schools Awards.
HILLCREST High School’s EcoSchools Club was presented with a Platinum-1 Award at the Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa Schools Awards event held in Pietermaritzburg recently. The school achieved the Level 6 Award for its various action and support projects undertaken during 2024.
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Hillcrest High School principal Denise Knight said that the progress made in various areas audited was pleasing to see. “Two audits are done each year and the improvement from March, when the first audit was conducted, to audit two in November, was an increase of over 20 points across the areas reviewed, with HHS scoring top marks in several categories. The EcoSchools Club, under the leadership of life sciences educator, Lola Prior, and the greater school community, can be proud that their efforts are making a positive impact on our school environment and local communities,” she said.
The audit process includes assessing aspects of categories from climate change to waste management, school grounds infrastructure to health and well-being, community and heritage to marine and coastal environmental programmes. Hillcrest High School achieved top marks in categories including Conserving our natural heritage, Contributing to our national identity, Building the South African community and Creating a healthy learning environment, which included being recognised as a sought-after venue for sports fixtures and showcasing a vibrant sporting spirit at the school.
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The school is actively working towards the goal of becoming a Climate Smart School by implementing recycling and food security programmes, low water-use gardening, and energy-smart applications. Involvement in external programmes, including coastal clean-ups, participation in river / water monitoring activities and outreach events such as the Dr Turnbull Schools revamp project, help ensure that the school makes a positive impact on the broader community.
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