High praise for teacher Jo’s eco efforts

A TEACHER at Hardgate Primary School, near Dalbeattie has won a national prize for inspiring pupils to take action to combat change. Jo Wright has been recognised as eco-coordinator of the year by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful for her tireless work to ensure the the whole school takes part in eco-related activity several times a week. Praised for her efforts to turn a piece of woodland, rarely used by pupils before her arrival, into an outdoor learning environment which is now accessible to every child. The work was done with help from the nursery and community, who now use it regularly as a path as well as a place to learn. Hardgate headmaster Richard Teall called Jo ‘a truly inspiring individual’, adding: “She inspires the children and gives them the belief that their voice matters, that they truly can make a positive difference. “Miss Wright spends a considerable amount of time working with external partners, applying for grants and contacting local individuals - all with the aim of improving the learning experiences of every child in the school. “This has resulted in every child frequently taking part in learning activities in the local woods. Miss Wright is currently driving forward improvements to the school grounds. A truly inspiring individual.”