Eco School | Aberdeenshire Achievements

Kemnay Academy’s ability to recycle all its food waste took a giant leap forward in June when

our electric composting machine – called The Rocket – was switched on.

Staff at the Academy were shown how to use the machine by Glasgow-based environmentalist Frank McMaster, who uses a Rocket – which is a brand name – in the college where he teaches.

Kemnay Academy will be the first academy in Aberdeenshire to recycle all its food waste. The resulting compost will be used on its garden that grows potatoes, cabbages, neeps, and other vegetables.

The Academy currently produces approximately 60kg of food waste from its canteen, snack machines, HE department and in staff bases every week.

Teachers from the Academy’s RMPS department which set up the garden three years ago and the composting scheme 18 months ago were trained in the use of the Rocket by Mr McMaster.

Teacher of RMPS, George Clail, said:

“We’re thrilled to be getting this training, and being able to use the Rocket.

“The idea that we, as a school, can recycle all our food waste is exciting in itself. But we’re showing youngsters in this area what can be done with food waste – something that is part of their everyday lives – and that is educational in a fundamental sense of the word.”

Mr Clail concluded:

“This is exciting not just for the school, but for the community as well, as we at the Academy would like to invite local people to get involved with our garden and composting projects.”

Mr M Bayliss

Ardallie School pupils and staff have been in celebration mode recently.

Ardallie was selected as a lucky winner of a £500 sport equipment voucher to recognise their achievements during National School Sport Week 2011 for gaining a minimum number of parent support pledges during the support campaign. A representative from the Bank of Scotland local branch came along to the school to mark the achievement.

Staff members Lynne Stewart and Nina Travis were awarded a Going Green, Bronze Award in the council’s 2012 Employee Achievement Awards. This is the third year they have been recognised having previously achieved Gold last year and 2nd in 2010.

The school gained their third Green Flag Award and celebrated their success at a recent Open Day. Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP made the presentation. Guests included Maria Walker, Director of Education, Fiona Cruickshanks, QIO and the pupils and staff of Tipperty School.