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What's New?

22nd November 2007

‘Into the Hive’ is an interactive classroom game created by Royal Entomological Society scientists to celebrate the DreamWorks™ computer animated comedy Bee Movie™, which is released in UK cinemas on 14 December 2007. Aimed at primary schools, the game features characters and artwork from the film and encourages school children to have fun learning about bees and their crucial role in the eco-system. Suitable for up to four teams, ‘Into the Hive’ players pick a character from the film and follow their path to make it back to the hive before the other teams, answering bee-related multiple choice questions along the way. The ‘Into the Hive’ game pack includes questions for key stage 1 and 2 age groups with links to the National Curriculum and classroom activities. To order your copy click here.

20th November 2007

The minutes from the Durham & Darlington Eco-Schools Network held at Abbey Juniors in Darlington are now available. Click here to read them.

12th October 2007

The National College for School Leadership and Encams have just announced a new scheme for school leaders to promote sustainability. Each school successful school will receive £5000 to spread good practice. For more info visit: www.ncsl.org.uk/sustainableschoolgrants

12th October 2007

The Woodland Trust are providing free trees for schools, nurseries and other groups click here to find out more.

17th September 2007

We are still here! Sorry that this page has been updated in a while. Lots is happening at the EWE Centre, the school grounds are continuing to be developed by the Gardening Club. The One World Network has appointed two new School Support Staff. More information at www.ownne.org

20th June 2007

The minutes and presentations from the D & D Eco-Schools network are available now. Click here to view them. Next terms meeting will be on the theme of Energy.

8th May 2008

The next Durham and Darlington Eco-Schools network will take place at Staindrop Primary School on Wed 13th June (2-4pm). The theme will be Water. An agenda will follow shortly.

25th April 2007

The RSPB are running a training course at the Centre on Friday 22nd June 2007. This will be lead by Brian Hallworth, an experienced ranger and storyteller. Click here for more information and here for booking details to download.

17th April 2007

A number of new jobs are being highlighted on the NE Sustainable Schools website. Click here to take a look.

21st March 2007

The minutes from the latest Eco-Schools network meeting at Escomb School are now available, along with the Powerpoint presentations on Food in Schools and Fairtrade in Schools. Click here to access.

20th March 2007

Melting Pot Arts based in Darlington are keen to work with schools on projects particularly those with an environmental theme. For more information click here or to download their flyer click here.

8th February 2007

Clow Beck Eco Centre have launched a recipe competition for secondary schools in Durham, Darlington and North Yorkshire with a fabulous prize. Click here to learn more

7th February 2007

Houghall Farm Ltd at Houghall College, Durham is in the process of developing a range of visit opportunities for school and/or community education parties. Ranging from a structured farm visit, to a self-led Discovery Trail, the Commercial Farm Manager - Janet Ambler - is very happy to discuss your particular interest and needs. Telephone Janet on 0191 3864020, or email: janet.ambler@edhcc.ac.uk

29th January 2007

The next Durham and Darlington Eco-Schools network will be held at Escomb Primary School on Thursday 1st March at 2pm. Click here to read the agenda. The theme will be Healthy Living with a focus on food.

24th January 2006

Did you know its British Farmhouse breakfast week? Well Clow Beck Eco centre are holding an event on Saturday 27th January between 10am & 2pm. For more info click here.

5th December 2006

The School Grounds project is delighted that some of its work has been included in a new DfES book called Designing School Grounds. It costs £21 pounds and is available to order online here.

28th November 2006

The Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto has been launched today by the Department for Education and Skills. It aims to help every young person experience education in a non-classroom environment as part of their learning and personal development.

Education Inspector Mike Tones, of Durham County Council, said: “In Durham and the North East we are extremely fortunate in our vast wealth of outdoor learning opportunities, including internationally acclaimed arts venues, important historical buildings such as Durham Cathedral and museums such as Beamish. “We also see an increasing number of schools developing and using their own school grounds for outdoor learning activities. “I hope that the manifesto will encourage all schools to make maximum use of out-of-the-classroom learning opportunities in a way that ensures all young people benefit as a planned, regular element of their curriculum.”

The manifesto brings together a number of people and organisations, including school staff and governors, parents, local authorities, Government, community and voluntary organisations and businesses, to support schools in providing outdoor learning opportunities. To find out more about the manifesto and how schools or organisations can become involved, visit www.teachernet.gov.uk/learningoutsidetheclassroom

27th November 2006

The Department for Transport has launched a grant scheme for state-funded primary schools. Grants of £1 000 a year for three years are available to set up walking buses. Smaller grants of £500 are also available for other school-based walking initiatives. For further information and guidance visit the Department for Transport website.

22nd November 2006

The EWE Centre was delighted Jim Knight MP, Minister for Schools and 14-19 Learners was able to visit this week to learn more about the work at the Centre; the very successful school gardening club; of the Outdoor and Sustainability Education Service (OASES) and the North East Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Schools (NESPSS).

Photo from left: Mrs White, Headteacher Esh Winning Primary, Jim Knight MP, Julie Corrigan, Year 1 Teacher Esh Winning Primary School.

Mr Knight has responsibility for the Manifesto for Learning Outside the Classroom which will be launched at the Natural History Museum in London on Tuesday 28th November.

14th November 2006

Two interesting articles from The Guardian newspaper from the last couple of weeks. The first, about a nursery in Scotland that will deliver all its activities outdoors all year round, a really interesting idea. The second an article about renewable energy production in schools that highlights the excellent achievements of Cassop Primary in Durham amongst others.

9th November 2006

Byers Green Primary and Sedgefield Hardwick Primary are two of six finalists in the national yellow pages recycling sculpture competition. The sculptures made from old yellow pages were initially judged by Neil Buchanan from ITV's Art Attack but the final decision is to be reached by a public vote through the website www.yellow-woods.co.uk. Any individual can submit one vote a day from 13th -26th November. If successful, the school would receive a cash prize. We would welcome support from anyone to provide the schools with the best chance of winning this prestigious prize. Get voting!

Byers Green