Minister praises local school as EDF Energy target for engaging children in environmental issues met ahead of schedule A school on the Isle of Man has celebrated its sustainable credentials at a ceremony overlooking the Olympic Park in London. Hundreds of pupils on the Isle of Man have become involved in EDF Energy’s vision for a more sustainable future through its national schools programme The Pod. And Queen Elizabeth II High School in Peel was one of three schools that joined celebrations at the Olympic Park to mark more than 2.5 million children engaging with sustainable issues through the Pod, according to analysis carried out with external experts.* The school was invited as one of the most sustainable out of more than 11,500 schools that are part of The Pod. Teacher Annabel Gentry travelled with 14-year-old pupils Millie Barron and Grace Harrop to the event, held at the View Tube at the Olympic Park in London this morning (Mar 1). Millie said: “It’s great to be here and celebrate the Pod’s success and to see how many schools across the country have got involved. I recently took part in our school’s cycle bus challenge, which was great fun and encouraged my friends to use their bikes more often.” Queen Elizabeth II High School is ranked third in The Pod’s national medal table, above thousands of other schools, with five gold and one silver medal. They are awarded for sustainable achievements including saving energy and water, recycling and increasing biodiversity. The Hon. Eddie Teare, Isle of Man Minister for Education and Children, said: “I am grateful for the sponsorship which EDF Energy has generously provided, enabling our young people to become actively involved in measures to value our energy and water use. It is easy to ignore the fact that these are finite resources and need to be carefully managed to maintain sustainability.” EDF Energy, the first sustainability partner of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, set an ambitious target of engaging 2.5 million young people in sustainability by 2012 in its Sustainability Commitments - one of the biggest environmental and social programmes of any British energy company. According to the most recent figures, this target has now been reached ahead of schedule. Children up and down the country have benefitted from EDF Energy’s the Pod since its launch in 2008, with over 11,500 schools and colleges now involved in the programme. The Pod website, www.jointhepod.org, is an online resource for teachers, and a platform where they can share ideas and showcase school achievements. On the Isle of Man, 14 schools are now part of the Pod, including King William’s College in Castletown, Ballakermeen High School in Douglas, Andreas Primary school in Ramsey and Marown Primary School in Marown. Working with partner Eco-Schools, the programme helps children learn about a range of environmental issues and offers resources to help them save energy and cut school and community carbon footprints. Almost half of primary schools (45%)** and 43%*** of all schools in England are members of the Pod - more than are registered with the schools programme of any other UK energy company. Robyn Broughton, EDF Energy’s Schools Programme manager said: “Well done to everyone at Queen Elizabeth II High School. EDF Energy is delighted that, working with Eco-Schools, we’ve been able to support so many pupils and teachers who can use the Pod to help students learn about and embrace green issues and make a real difference to their schools and local environments. “We’re extremely proud of the fantastic feedback we get from teachers and the incredible enthusiasm and commitment children show to sustainability. The programme seems to have helped make a real difference to children’s understanding of green issues and EDF Energy intends to continue to drive this awareness through The Pod as we work towards 2012 and beyond.” The Pod is part of London 2012’s ‘Get Set’ education programme and EDF Energy hopes its engagement with young people in the lead up to the Games will contribute to powerful legacy of sustainability for London 2012. Gareth Wynn, Director of London 2012 Programme, EDF Group said: “The success of EDF Energy’s Schools Programme in raising children’s awareness and engagement with sustainability has far exceeded our expectations ahead of the original 2012 target, which is fantastic news. The Pod is a key part of how EDF Energy is using our partnership with London 2012 to inspire millions of people to reduce their impact on the environment. The enthusiasm that we’ve seen from The Pod’s schools has shown the great potential that rests with the next generation, and their commitment to become more sustainable is an important part of the legacy we want to leave from our part in the Games.” For more information about EDF Energy’s The Pod, please visit www.jointhepod.org ENDS