Sustainability is coming to town at Oakham School with a ‘greener’ Christmas taking place across the campus to reduce its carbon footprint.
Rented Christmas trees which can be replanted and decorations made using old materials are just some of the initiatives being implemented at the School in the lead up to the festive holidays.
Following a 30-day sustainability challenge in the Upper School, staff and pupils have been continuing their pledges with the aim of creating a more environmentally friendly Christmas at the School.
Using a service from ‘Love a Christmas Tree’, the School has rented its real trees which will be returned to the company following the festivities. They will then be replanted back on the same farm where they were grown, so they’re ready to use again next year and reduce the waste of having different trees each year.
In the Lower School, boarding pupils have made different sustainable products for their House whilst learning how to be more environmentally responsible.
Pupils used computer-aided designs (CAD) and a laser cutter to produce Christmas decorations to hang on their tree at the School. These were made out of laser ply and acrylic off cuts from a manufacturing company that would have disposed of this excess material.
Kelly Gibbons, Teacher of Design and Technology, said: “Our Lower School boarding pupils have thoroughly enjoyed their practical sustainability tasks and have learnt many new skills along the way to help enhance their learning and practical skills.”
“By using cut off materials, pupils have learnt that whilst helping the environment in reducing waste, they can create some lovely Christmas decorations which can be used for many years to come.”
They will finish the term by making personalised soaps for Christmas gifts next weekend.
