Queen Elizabeth II High School has been shortlisted for an Observer Ethical Award.
Thousands of entries have been whittled down into 33, shortlisted over 11 categories in the national newspaper's annual awards. The school is a finalist for the Ecover Ethical Kids category.
The judging panel included Jo Wood, Ben Okri, Rick Edwards and Deborah Meadon.
Students at the Peel school have, over the past three years, been working to offset carbon emissions from school transport by planting trees. This year, every Year 7 pupil was able to plant their own tree in the school grounds. More than 2000 trees have now been planted by students.
The school also has developed its own tree nursery. Cycling events have been encouraged, including a cycle to school day where 77 students, accompanied by staff, came to school in ‘cycle buses’, a concept similar to ‘walking buses’.
In the final, the school is up against students from Pendle Community High School, Lancashire, and Stockbridge Junior Rangers, Liverpool.
The winning school will receive ?2,000 a year for three years to aid its environmental work.
The Observer Ethical Awards winners will be announced tomorrow (3rd June) at The Roof Gardens, Kensington, London.
Teacher Lesley Sleight, who helps with environmental projects at the school, has been invited to the awards but, due to teaching commitments, is unable to attend. Instead the school will be represented by her husband, Rodger, who carries out voluntary work with the students.
Mrs Sleight said ‘I was stunned to receive an e-mail from The Observer saying we had made the final. The e-mail said the judging panel was looking for innovative and passionate projects which have done the most to protect the planet.
'I am really proud of what our students are achieving, not only with this project but the many other environmental projects that are being carried out at school. Although disappointed not to be able to attend I am glad that my husband will be there to celebrate and also help promote the Isle of Man through the schools achievement.'
Finalists in other categories include chefs Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall and politicians David Cameron, Caroline Lucas and Vince Cable.
Full details of the awards can be found here.
