Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Orchard House, we recognise our shared responsibility to protect the planet, not just for ourselves but for future generations.
Sustainability is embedded in every aspect of school life, helping our pupils understand the importance of caring for the environment and empowering them to become responsible global citizens.
Leading this work is our Head of Science and Sustainability, Ms Nicola McWeekney. She oversees all of our sustainability programmes, constantly learning and introducing new initiatives that keep sustainability exciting and relevant for our school community. From organising community litter picks to installing air pollution monitors, Ms McWeekney ensures that environmental responsibility is part of everyday life at Orchard House.
In addition to these initiatives, she works closely with staff to integrate essential sustainability topics into science lessons across all year groups, ensuring that pupils not only learn about environmental issues but also develop the skills and mindset to take meaningful action. Her dedication inspires both children and staff to think critically about their impact on the world and to make choices that contribute to a sustainable future.
SustainabilityOur Eco-Friendly Practices
We practice sustainability across the whole school, with initiatives in place year round, organised and implemented by our staff and pupils. We have a team of staff who work alongside our ECO Committee to place sustainability at the heart of everything we do.
Recycling
Every room at Orchard House is equipped with recycling bins, ensuring that waste is properly separated in offices and classrooms. We are reducing paper usage by embracing digital alternatives and have installed hand dryers in every bathroom. Where hand dryers are not feasible, we use eco-friendly paper products and repurposed materials.
Orchard House recycles all paper, plastic, food, and batteries. We also run book, costume, second-hand uniform, and Christmas jumper swaps, helping to reuse items and minimise waste throughout the school community.
Food Waste
Each of our school sites features a wormery, fed using the food waste bins located in every classroom and office. Food scraps, tea bags, and coffee granules from each building are transformed by the worms into nutrient-rich soil, which is then used to enrich our school gardens.
Carbon Footprint
Energy conservation is another key focus. Dukes Education are working with Planet Mark to achieve Carbon Zero by 2030. We use renewable energy suppliers and encourage the mindful use of electricity. Pupils are involved in energy-saving initiatives, such as switching off lights and devices when not in use or having a ‘lights out’ day.
These small actions collectively make a significant impact on reducing our carbon footprint.
Green Learning Spaces
Each classroom boasts an indoor plant, and we always try to maximise the planting opportunities in our outdoor spaces. We have bat boxes, swift boxes and bug hotels to encourage habitats for local flora and fauna.
Planting around our 4 sites is carefully curated to encourage habitat creation as well as being visually pleasing, with our gardening club helping children take ownership of their green spaces.
Community Involvement
Our sustainability efforts extend beyond the school grounds. We actively engage with the local community, litter picking in our local area and planting, tending to, and harvesting our community garden in Acton Park. We also encouraging our families to adopt sustainable practices at home by offering battery recycling at school, regular Walk to School days and many more.
Together, we are building a culture of environmental responsibility and stewardship. We are all excited about this journey toward a greener, more sustainable future for all.
Work With Us
If any member of the OHS community has ideas on how we can work together to be more sustainable in 2025 and beyond please get in contact with Mrs McWeeney via the school office.
There is still more work to be done!
