Conservation
With such a beautiful and expansive school site at our disposal, there are many opportunities to teach the boys about conservation. Conservation is run on Thursday afternoons as an alternative to CCF and community service.
We have about 20 boys taking part in conservation, but the boys are split into small groups of six or seven, in order for them to gain the most out of the time. Each group works in a different area of the school grounds, undertaking different projects. The groups are swapped around periodically so that the boys have a chance to get involved in all of the projects available and to learn a wide range of skills.
We currently have three conservation projects in operation. The first is to maintain woodland biodiversity, this is achieved by cutting back overgrown vegetation to allow smaller species to survive, installing bird feeders, bird boxes, a pond and log piles. The second project is focused on making and maintaining a butterfly garden by the golf course. This involves the boys learning about what types of plants attract butterflies, when and how to plant them, and how to maintain them over the seasons. The final project concentrates on sustainability, this involves the boys learning about how to grow their own vegetables, how to sow seeds and make compost, and how to take and sow tree cuttings.
Conservation teaches the boys valuable transferable skills, such as team work, planning and management. However the boys gain far more from this activity, they learn to appreciate the grounds we have here at the Oratory, and take ownership and pride over their work. They learn about the true value of food.
Henry Exham BSc
Biology Department