A SCHOOL in the Isle of Man has been ranked third for its achievements in a sustainability programme run by EDF Energy.
Queen Elizabeth II High School was ranked out of 11,500 schools and colleges for work recycling, saving energy and water and increasing biodiversity as part of The Pod initiative.
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 school received five gold medals and one silver medal for its achievements and teacher Annabel Gentry and pupils Millie Barron and Grace Harrop, both 14, travelled to a celebration event which was held at the Olympic Park in London on Tuesday.
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."
Education and Children Minister Eddie Teare MHK 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."
Hundreds of pupils from the Isle of Man are involved with EDF Energy's vision for a more sustainable future including King William's College, Ballakermeen High School, Andreas and Marown primary schools.
For more information about The Pod see - www.jointhepod.org.
