A group of Renfrewshire primary schools have been producing their very own talented team of environmental champions with the help of Reid Kerr College in Paisley.

Primary 7 Pupils from six schools around Renfrewshire have been taking part in the launch of a Renewable Energy project, delivered by staff from the College's Institute and Construction and Engineering and Schools Liaison.

Titled 'Earth Calling', the green lesson plan aims to help the pupils identify areas both at home and in school where potential energy savings can be made. Children from Bushes, Gallowhill, St. Catherine's, East Fulton, Kirklandneuk and Inchinnan primary schools have been assisting in the erection of a solar panel to a tiled roof and the design of an outline poster for use in an energy awareness campaign.

Andrew Fogarty, Head of Energy and Utilities at Reid Kerr said: "We chose to launch this programme with primary schools due to the College's strong links with all Renfrewshire schools, many of whom are already working hard to achieve their own environmental goals. Schools are an ideal place to raise awareness and we are delighted to be working with the younger generation to help promote environmental issues."

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Janet Collins, Depute Head Teacher at East Fulton Primary, said: "The children have been independently working their way through the 'Earth Calling' programme and during this journey they have discovered many interesting facts regarding sustainable and non-sustainable energy.

"As a result of this we will be able to move forward as a school in becoming more eco-friendly, and aware of how important this planet and its resources are to everyone living here. A lot of hard work has gone into this programme, and 'thank you' to Reid Kerr."

The College's schools liaison department has been working with teaching staff from the primary schools in preparation for the programme's launch and they are now all trained in the College's online learning resource, 'Moodle'. This will provide pupils with access to further learning once the session in school is complete. Pupils can work on games and activities aimed at continuing to raise awareness of energy efficiency and current environmental topics.

Isobel Drysdale, Senior Lecturer in Schools said: "This is an exciting opportunity for the College to develop an online learning resource for primary school pupils in P7. The online resource from Reid Kerr will give every pupil the opportunity to extend their knowledge and think about energy consumption at home and around the country. Since the children are able to access the learning from home, this will also provide their parents with the opportunity to get involved."

The pupil's campaign posters will be judged as part of a prize winning competition and the selected entries will be included in a calendar produced by the College. All of the schools will be invited to visit Reid Kerr at a later date and will take a tour of the College facilities.

(GK/BMcC)