A TOTAL of 64 schools in Wiltshire are taking part in Switch Off fortnight, aimed at encouraging children to save energy at schools and at home.

The project, backed by London 2012 Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger, has been organised by EDF Energy’s national education programme the Pod.

It wants to help schools reduce their energy consumption and inspire families and friends to adopt the same good energy habits. Schools taking part include Warneford School, in Highworth; John Bentley School; in Calne; Shrewton CE Primary School, in Salisbury; Neston Primary School in Corsham and Minety CE Primary School in Malmesbury.

The campaign runs from Monday, November 19, to Sunday, December 2. Across the country almost 4,000 schools are taking part in Switch off Fortnight, with more joining every day. 

Katherine Grainger, who won gold in the coxless double sculls at London 2012, said: “I’m hoping the hundreds of thousands of children at all the schools taking part in Switch Off Fortnight put in gold medal performances.

“In rowing, conserving energy for the long haul is absolutely vital – and the same is true for how we use energy every day.

“What I’ve seen at just one Pod school is so inspiring. They are working hard as a community to become more sustainable and I’m not surprised they are a gold medal Pod school.

“This year, children are taking the energy-saving message home and I’m sure will inspire family and friends to get involved.”

The Pod is encouraging schools across the UK to take part in the campaign and to raise awareness of why it is important to save energy.

This year’s activity will focus on the ‘take it home’ message, encouraging pupils to take learnings around energy saving into their homes, to inspire families and friends to adopt the same good energy habits.