Sustainability
The Hinchley Wood School Sustainability Group (HWSSG) is a student led group whose key focus is to encourage the whole school community to be more environmentally friendly.
The aim for the HWSSG is for all students to be more aware of the impact their actions, and those around them, have on the planet; what we can do as individuals and as a school team to reduce damage to the environment; and how we can all improve the school and the local community.
The school was awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award in 2015 for a second time as part of the Eco Schools scheme; this is accomplished through a number of initiatives:
Recycling
- Throughout the school, we encourage recycling, re-using items and reducing waste.
- In classrooms there are recycling bins for items such as paper and plastic bottles.
- We have collected two litre plastic drinks bottles and plan to build a greenhouse for the school’s growing projects.
- We hosted a clothes recycling bin which allowed students and their families to both recycle clothes, whilst at the same time raising funds for sustainability projects in school.
- Years 7 and 8 take part in annual enrichment days that focus on recycled clothing for fashion design and environmental sustainability - even our school blazers are manufactured from recycled plastic bottles!
Energy Conservation
With new building projects such as the Cullum Centre being built to the highest standards of energy efficiency. We also:
- encourage all school community members to turn off lights in empty rooms;
- use photovoltaic cells on the roof to generate electricity and have LED movement activated lights in corridors to prevent energy waste;
- encourage students to walk to school wherever possible - even it is just part of the way - and take part in the National Walk to School Week/Living Streets initiative in March.
- the installation of three new bicycle sheds means more students can easily use non-car based transport to school. Over 150 students currently cycle to school.
HWS Environmental Project Area
The HWS environmental area is undergoing a refurbishment programme to re-line the pond and create a butterfly and bee friendly garden. This area provides a home for a range of native wildlife and an outdoor classroom in which students can study biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
