JTA
We are proud at St Mary's to have been awarded a GOLD accreditation through the TfL STARS (STARS – Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe) scheme. STARS is TfL's accreditation scheme for London schools and nurseries. STARS inspires young Londoners to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely by championing walking, scooting and cycling. STARS supports pupils' wellbeing, helps to reduce congestion at the school gates and improve road safety and air quality.
Within school we have a group of JTA Junior Travel Ambassadors represented by two pupils within years 1-6. Each half term the group of JTAs meet to discuss issues around the school and the local environment regarding promoting safe, sustainable travel to and from school.
This year 2019/2020 we have promoted our 'Be Bright Be Seen' day within the autumn term where children and staff were encouraged to take part in wearing brightly coloured accessories to promote being seen as they travel to and from school within the autumn months. Over the course of the year the JTAs will be organising other events to promote their role within the school.
https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/schools-and-young-people/teaching-resources/junior-travel-ambassadors
Eco Council
The Eco Council is compromises of one representative from each class. Their purpose is promote sustainability within school and beyond. Eco warriors work towards ensuring that the school environment is as welcoming as possible and that children are encouraged to re-use, re-cycle and reduce their consumption, particularly that of single-use plastics. This year Eco Warriors have focussed upon energy usage and check classrooms regularly to ensure that lights are switched off etc. They also help to lead projects around growing plants and over the past year, the school garden area has been re-generated and is open each lunchtime.
The School Council
The School Council is the main vehicle used in school for pupils to have a voice about how the school is run. There is one representative per class and they meet monthly, giving feedback about issues in school that affect the children. These include lunchtimes, playground provision and ideas about fundraising. The governors of the school also participate in these meetings regularly in order to find out about how the children of the school are feeling. School Council reps also take greater responsibility in school for carrying out leadership roles. These include showing adult visitors around the school and talking to them about life at St Mary's.