And then there were three!

Mill Strand has achieved the highest Eco-Schools award for their exemplary work on the sea shore, sustainable transport, litter and beach safety projects, which they have shared with other schools in the Coleraine borough.

As part of their third ‘Green Flag’ Environmental work, children from five local primary schools, St Malachy’s, St. Patrick’s, Harpur’s Hill, Ballysally and Mill Strand have spent time outdoors beside the sea in Portrush. 

This was part of a unique project funded by the National Science Learning Centres Cluster Award led by Science Coordinator Deirdre Doherty and retired teacher Richard Reid.

It was supported by the wildlife organisation RSPB and the environmental agency NIEA. 

The children of Mill Strand have been learning about the diverse living organisms of the seashore. The project also formed part of the Translink ‘Sustainability Challenge’ with schools travelling to Portrush by train.

The other work being carried out involved planting in the Nursery’s Polly tunnel and the ECO Committee assessing ‘How green are our teachers?’ They awarded points, and classes earned green points.

The school staff and children are passionate about their environment and Mill Strand school hopes to continue to share their knowledge and skills.

They have invited four schools to attend their ‘Oceans Alive’ day on the 9th November and hope to repeat the ‘Seashore Experience’ trips next year for local schools.

The assessors made the following comments about the strengths of Mill Strand in their assessment visit: “The pupils and staff were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. 

“There were good links between the P7 pupils and those in P1 as well as links with four other schools in the area. There was great emphasis, knowledge and interest in the ocean/pollution/marine life.”