Pupils at Sandown High School have been working with the Isle of Wight Council to learn about Sandown’s Blue Flag status. 

As part of their science coursework, pupils have been visiting the beach with council staff to learn about the requirements of attaining and maintaining the prestigious Blue Flag status.

The work helps to develop students’ understanding of science in everyday life and involves taking water samples from the resort to analyse back at the school laboratories. As well as the chemical analysis, students also learn about the role of the Lifeguard and all the health and safety issues that arise on the beach which need to be recognised as part of the Blue Flag application process.
 
Tricia Stillman, Isle of Wight Council Esplanades & Beaches Officer said:

“As part of the Year 10 science curriculum, students must undertake a project where they can demonstrate science in everyday life.

“Blue Flag status at Sandown presents a wonderful opportunity for pupils to apply theory to a practical situation. Not only have the students analysed water samples taken from the beach, they have also been able to look at wider issues such as health and safety and lifeguard coverage, all of which fall within the requirements of Blue Flag status.”

Cllr David Pugh, Isle of Wight Council Leader and responsible for school improvements said:

“It is great that pupils are able to apply their knowledge to a local project as part of their GCSE Science studies. As well as benefiting pupils at the school, the work also contributes towards Sandown’s 2010 Blue Flag application by involving the local community in environmental initiatives.”