A new wind is blowing at Killingworth school

Feb 13 2010 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

The pupils also grow vegetables in their garden in the grounds, which are used in school meals, and run a recycling scheme.

The next phase of the project will see rain water captured in tanks to flush toilets.

Last year, Amberley won the sustainable school accolade in The Journal’s North East school awards.

“We have had a lot of support from the children, parents and school governors. When you work with the children you realise just how clued up they are,” said Mrs Barkes.

“Small keys open very big doors, and the children get visible reminders about how we can reduce our carbon footprints and make a difference.

“They will inherit the planet and I hope that in 20 to 25 years time they will consider alterative ways to power their own homes.

“It may be the way everyone is going to have to live in the future.”

The school is one of 80 in the UK to receive a grant for renewable energy technology in the second phase of The Co-operative’s £2m Green Energy for Schools programme.

The scheme has installed solar panels at 160 schools, including Swalwell and Glynwood primary schools in Gateshead and The Grove primary school in Consett. It is now piloting additional renewable technologies – biomass boilers and ground source heat pumps – at more than 20 schools.

Michael Fairclough, The Co-operative’s head of community and campaigns, said: ““By switching on the wind turbine, Amberley primary school is helping to educate the next generation about climate change while setting an excellent example to other schools, businesses and homes in Killingworth.”

George Westwater, North Tyneside Council Cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Amberley Primary School should be highly commended for their determination to bring this project to fruition. The switch-on of this wind turbine demonstrates the school’s real commitment to sustainability, which will hopefully inspire the thinking of generations of pupils.”