What is the Pod?

The Pod (www.jointhepod.org), EDF Energy’s Environmental Education Programme, is a free interactive online resource for Key Stage 1, 2 and 3 teachers and pupils.

All of the Pod’s activities have been accredited by Eco-Schools England and have been specifically designed to help schools progress through the Eco-Schools framework. They also help your school to make real and measurable savings in energy and water use, to cut carbon, to produce less waste and to encourage biodiversity. The Pod’s activities, campaigns and interactives are a great way to get the whole school involved, make measurable savings and help you achieve the Eco-Schools award criteria.

By joining the Pod, Eco-Schools will benefit from:

• Eco-Schools proofed activities - a range of Eco-Schools accredited activities to help embed environmental issues into school life
• Curriculum linked resources - the Pod's activities and lesson plans can support teaching across the curriculum 
• Whole school campaigns - a great, inclusive way to bring the whole school,  parents and the wider community together
• Energy savings and waste reduction - practical ways to save money and reduce energy use, waste and your carbon footprint through behaviour change
• Measurement - a way of measuring and tracking the impact that eco-projects have
• Reward and recognition - schools can win medals and certificates for each activity they complete and can see their position on the Pod medal table
• Student interaction - games, movies, blogs and a gallery where schools can share photos of their eco-projects. Plus a new Student Zone, with student focused information and everything your students need

How do I sign up?

You’ll need to register separately for both Eco-Schools and the Pod. Unlike Eco-Schools, there is no limit to the number of teachers in each school that can register with the Pod. Whether you are the first teacher from your school to register with the Pod, or others are already registered, the process is exactly the same.

To register, simply go to www.jointhepod.org/schools/register-your-school and follow the simple steps. Find your school (the easiest way is searching by postcode), then fill in some details and set yourself up with a username, password etc.  Your registration will either be automatically approved, or the Pod will call your school to check your registration (so make sure you let your reception know to expect a call). They will aim to have your registration approved within 48 hours, but it may be longer in school holidays. For more information on Pod registration, visit www.jointhepod.org/schools/registration-faq