THE principal of Leumeah Public School, Andy Best (pictured), of Picton, has been granted a 2008 Churchill Fellowship one of only 30 awarded in NSW this year.

He will study the impact of environmental education in engaging school children (particularly indigenous children) in learning.

Mr Best's fellowship will take him to Scotland, New York and Alaska to learn more about how environmental education serves to connect with students who have difficulty learning.

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, established as one of the former British prime minister's last requests, provides annual fellowships for Australians to travel overseas to experience new opportunities and to bring back ideas to benefit education.

Mr Best has been teaching for 30 years and is known for his proactive environmental work, with an approach which has moved away from eco-systems and towards sustainability.

Mr Best believes that traditionally, indigenous students have a great connection with the land, and environmental education helps to nurture this and engage troubled students.

During his trip Mr Best hopes to meet prominent university lecturers and teachers in the US.

``It's a great opportunity,'' he said.