Green Schools

Green School Committee 

Our Green Schools Committee meets regularly to assess, monitor and review our Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives throughout the school. These include recycling, energy conservation, waste reduction and environmental awareness activities.

The committee tracks progress, discusses new ideas and ensures that agreed actions are being implemented in classrooms and across the school. Pupils play an active role in decision-making, helping to identify areas for improvement and suggesting practical solutions.

By meeting regularly, the committee ensures that sustainability remains a priority in our school and that positive environmental habits are reinforced consistently.

Ballyshannon National School – Green Schools Theme: Energy

At Ballyshannon National School, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) helps pupils understand how their daily actions impact the world, both locally and globally. This year, our Green Schools focus is Energy, highlighting connections to globalisation and global citizenship.

Classroom Energy Action

Pupils take an active role in saving energy around the school. Classroom Energy Monitors check that lights, whiteboards, projectors, and chargers are switched off when not in use. Classes use daylight first by opening blinds before turning on lights and complete a simple end-of-day energy checklist.

Energy Learning Across SESE

Energy education is embedded across the curriculum. Pupils explore:

• Sources of energy
  
  

• Differences between renewable and non-renewable energy
  
  

• Why saving energy is important
  
  

Through experiments, storybooks, and videos, pupils see how energy use in Ireland connects to people and environments worldwide.

Whole-School Initiatives

• Switch Off Campaign led by pupils
  
  

• No Power Hour
  
  

• Energy Use Chart to track weekly progress and celebrate improvements
  
  

These initiatives highlight the value of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Outdoor and Active Learning

Movement breaks, outdoor lessons, and participation in Walk to School Days support our energy-saving goals.

Green Committee Energy Team

Our Energy Team leads energy awareness, conducting regular energy audits, presenting findings at assemblies, and encouraging Energy Pledges from each class.

Family and Community Engagement

Families contribute through newsletters with energy-saving tips and home energy challenges, reinforcing that small actions make a global difference.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

Pupils participate in engaging workshops, such as:

• SEAI Energy Workshop – exploring energy types and ways to reduce consumption
  
  

• Bright Eyes Workshop – comparing renewable and non-renewable energy and learning how personal choices support climate action
  
  

Celebrating Learning

During the Green Schools Festival of Energy, pupils share their knowledge through posters, newsletter contributions, and presentations, inspiring the wider school community to act sustainably.