Torwood House School Wins String of ‘Green’ Awards

26 May 2017

Bristol independent school, Torwood House has won a national education prize for its innovative ‘green’ teaching.

One of only three UK independent schools shortlisted, the Independent School’s Association (ISA) Junior and Prep School Award for Excellence and Innovation in Provision, was presented to Torwood House, because of its continued commitment to providing a cutting edge and innovative curriculum. This was specifically in the area of sustainability and healthy living.

The achievement of ‘excellence’ was described by the 100-year-old school as a ‘green journey’, which spans the last two years. During the course of achieving the children’s ‘green dream’, the school has toted up an impressive collection of awards.

Successful schemes included a fresh approach to teaching computer coding, with pupils and teachers running a fun, engaging ‘Shaun the Sheep’ pilot programme, which motivated the children to find out more.

Pupils were encouraged to learn for themselves, pioneering their ‘green way’. Many of the school’s 4 to 11 year olds took part in workshops, delivered by organisations such as Avon Wildlife Trust, Resources Futures and local farmers. Budding junior cyclists got involved in filming a promotional Sustrans charity cycling video, inspiring other schools to follow suit. New initiatives, like the Crocodile App, encouraged parents to walk to school, whilst green- fingered children helped to plant the BBC Bristol Wildlife Garden.

Headteacher, Dionne Seagrove, B.Ed.,  M.Ed., told of her pride;

“We began our journey to a greener and healthier way of living through the enthusiasm and natural curiosity of our children. If you had told me two years ago that Torwood House School would embrace these activities, I would have said it was ‘a green dream’. Now, however, I can see that the dream is becoming a permanent reality in the development of our children which fills me with a new optimism for our environment, education and future generations.”