We’re incredibly proud of the amazing sustainability work happening at Ovingham CE First School! Our dedicated Climate Action Teams have been hard at work implementing plans to help limit our collective impact on the planet and teach the students about the importance of caring for the environment. 

Here is a summary of what we have been up to:

Planting, growing and biodiversity 

• We engaged the community in tree planting initiatives.
• The school has enhanced its biodiversity with wildflower areas.
• With guidance and supplies from our local garden centre, students are learning about the value of homegrown produce by cultivating their food.
• We have brought gardening and plant education into the classrooms with planting and growing.

 

Reuse, recycle and waste reduction 

• A mud kitchen was built from recycled pallets to reduce waste and recycle. This initiative aimed to reduce waste by repurposing materials that might otherwise have been discarded, highlighting the value of recycling in practical, hands-on ways.
• The students engaged in a book swap to help understand recycling, and reduce a ‘throw-away culture’. 

 

Outdoor learning and environmental stewardship 

• Our Forest School has been a fantastic opportunity to keep our outdoor spaces tidy, as well as provide habitats for wildlife by creating dead hedges.
• Regular outdoor learning helps our students engage with nature.
• Our students engage in litter picking, which promotes responsibility for a clean school environment. This fosters environmental awareness to inspire similar actions at home and in their local areas.

 

Energy and climate action

• Our team assesses our energy usage, to help evaluate and improve our energy efficiency.
• Cheviot Learning Trust have arranged for new solar panels to be installed, moving towards a focus on renewable energy.

 

Sustainable travel 

• We encouraged students to take part in our Walk to School Week, which promotes active, low-emission travel. This event aimed to raise awareness about the positive impact of active travel on both personal well-being and the environment.

 

Education and awareness 

• During Green Careers Day, our students were able to explore sustainable career options, make turbines, and understand energy generation.

 

We look forward to continuing to engage in more activities to work towards climate control and sustainability.