Maidenhead & Windsor

A group of Maidenhead Royal Borough schoolteachers will celebrate World Environment Day on Tuesday June 5 by enjoying a spot of role reversal – and a very special lesson in managing inflation!

The three dozen Maidenhead teachers will become “pupils” for an extra-curricular hands-on session on the challenges of inflating three earth balloons - all in the interests of protecting the earth.

The teachers – who are all committed to a more sustainable future – will learn how to manage the three Earth balloons which are used across the borough to promote Learning for Sustainability and attract their pupils’ interest in the subject.

The balloons, donated to the Maidenhead Royal Borough by Masterfoods, are the key resource available to schools and other organisations for promoting greater understanding of environmental and other sustainability issues.

The largest – at 6.7 metres – is more than five times higher than most children who enjoy the balloon experience, with the other two measuring 3.7 and one-metre each.

Karen Barker, Corporate Affairs, Masterfoods, said: “Masterfoods is keen to encourage sustainability in schools by supporting both the borough’s Learning for Sustainability and the Eco-Schools initiatives.

“This is the largest group to be trained to date. It shows a growing awareness of the need for action and I am thrilled to see that we have already helped some of these schools to make progress.”

Tim Morton, Maidenhead Royal Borough Learning for Sustainability co-ordinator, said: “The human race doesn’t have much time left to ensure we make a success of the 21st century. These resources, along with the work we are doing with organisations on learning for sustainability, help demonstrate the council’s commitment to playing an active role in achieving a sustainable future for all.”

For information about the availability of the earth balloons and Learning for Sustainability, contact Tim Morton, Learning for Sustainability co-ordinator, on 01628 796426.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead