The Eco-Committee have had a busy term working behind the scenes to try to improve our carbon footprint and our impact on the world around us.

The main focus has been working on our campaign to try to reduce plate waste in the Dining Room. At the start of next term, pupils from the Eco-Committee are going to address the School in Assembly, and then follow that up with sessions in tutor times too. The Eco-Committee have calculated how much plate waste we produce a year as a school, and the small steps that individuals can take to try to reduce it.

The Eco-Committee have been working alongside the Domestic Manager, Carol Mills to ensure that we can get recycling bins into every classroom and room in the boarding houses as soon as possible. As a school, reducing our general waste can save money, and it will also reduce our carbon footprint too. We shall speak about this in Assembly too, but it will require all members of our school community to be proactive with the scheme.

Our amazing Grounds Team have started working on our rewilding project, which is taking shape just over the bridge on the way to Lower Backway. We are rewilding this area with wildflowers and a relaxation area which will be a great place to go with friends in the summer. Planting will begin in the spring, and this will encourage native butterfly species, bees, insects and small animals, many of which are under serious threat nationally.

Finally, as a group, the Eco-Committee are still working hard to attain an Eco-Schools Green Flag Award by the end of the academic year. This award recognises the ecological achievements of young people in schools. By gaining this award, we can demonstrate that we, as a school, are taking the climate crisis seriously, and it will also be a steppingstone towards future sustainability goals. Schools that qualify, even receive an actual flag made of recycled plastic bottles!

The Eco-Committee have had a brilliant term, and I have been hugely impressed with the levels of commitment and enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved.

Dr Emily Corrigan - Eco Committee