Sustainability
In its policy paper Sustainability and Climate Change: A Strategy for the Education and Children’s Services Systems (2022), the Department for Education (DfE) sets out a vision for every educational setting in England to play an active role in addressing the climate crisis.
The Orchard School fully embraces this initiative. We are committed to taking meaningful steps to ensure our school, pupils, staff, and wider community embark on a journey toward becoming as carbon-neutral as possible.
To lead this work, we have appointed a Sustainability Lead who, in partnership with the Headteacher, Site Manager, and Governors, will conduct a full audit of our current environmental practices and develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan.
In line with DfE policy, our action plan will focus on four key areas:
- Decarbonisation
Identifying sources of carbon emissions and implementing strategies to reduce them, including energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and waste reduction. - Adaptation and Resilience
Preparing for climate-related incidents and extreme weather, such as flood mitigation and ensuring thermal comfort in school buildings. - Enhancing Biodiversity and the Natural Environment
Acting as custodians of local biodiversity and providing enriching, hands-on experiences for pupils through initiatives like gardening, bug hotels, and wildflower areas. - Climate Education
Embedding sustainability across the curriculum so pupils understand the causes and consequences of climate change. This includes linking learning to subjects such as Science, Geography, Design & Technology, and PSHE, offering CPD for staff, and promoting green practices through participation in initiatives like Earth Day.
At The Orchard School, we are committed to building a greener, more sustainable future. Our Climate Action Plan will ensure we play our part in reducing environmental impact and inspire children to make a positive difference for our planet.
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