Karolina is a new member of the Orchard Committee this academic year and has thrown herself into lots of different activities so far. Here’s what she had to say when she was asked about being a member of the Orchard Committee.
Why did you want to join the Orchard Committee?
I thought that it would be really fun for me and i also thought it would help nature. thought that it would be good for the environment and it would help me and my friends to get outside more and that it would be a pleasant experience.
What have you done so far?
So far we have built a planter and we helped prepare seeds and then planted them, we have helped clean up some of the Orchard by raking leaves and turning compost. We have also made seed balls for the birds!
Why do you think it is important for students to work outside and be with nature?
Because there is so much technology that kids are glued to and its good to take a break from that and go outside.
Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to doing as an Orchard Committee member?
We look forward to planting seeds in the ground and seeing our plants grow over time.
What is it like working with students from other year groups as part of the Orchard Committee?
They are all very kind and reassuring to all the younger years contributing to the Orchard Committee.
What do you like most about The Orchard that you have seen so far?
We like the fact that there is a stage and they have lights for when it gets dark and also how there is so many planters made by other students, we find it very inspiring.
Why do you think others should get involved in the activities at Orchard Committee meetings?
It helps you get outside more and that makes you happier.
Do you have any advice that you think will be of use as an Orchard Committee member?
Listen to what the adults tell you and be respectful to others and the area and you will have a wonderful time.
Would you recommend the Orchard Committee to you friends and if so, why?
Yes, because it would be a fun social experience to have and you will make great memories with them and have a positive impact on nature.
Karolina then decided to interview Miss Theobald, who heads up the Orchard Committee.
Why did you start the Orchard Committee?
I was given the opportunity to work with some Green Influencers in the school – specially chosen students to work on an environment based project of their choice. We decided to create a wildflower area on the field which is still there now and offers lots of colour in the spring and summer.
The Heads of School then told me there was an outdoor area of the school which could be developed and asked if my team wanted to work on it and that was the start of the Orchard Committee. We have been working on the area since about January 2023, with our official opening in June 2023. We have been awarded grants by both the Ernest Cook Trust and Norfolk County Council to help fund the project. We have won the Young People’s Achievement Award at the Norfolk Community Biodiversity Award in 2024 and were runners up at the Bishop of Norwich First Nature Awards in 2023. Along the way, students have also gained the Bronze and Silver Green Tree Schools Award with the Woodland Trust and the RSPB’s Bronze Wild Challenge Award.
What inspired you to run the Orchard Committee?
Seeing how much students can learn by being outside. It’s very different to my role as a Maths teacher so it was a new and exciting challenge for me. I like to give students different opportunities and to see them enjoy nature. Also it’s a chance for me to learn too – I have discovered a real love for nature and in particular wild flowers as a result.
What’s your favourite part of The Orchard?
I like seeing the wild flower area and also I like the butterflies and bees that visit. Spring time is my favourite when our seeds start to germinate and the flowers start to appear. The hard work starts to pay off.
What do you enjoy most about doing the Orchard Committee meetings?
Seeing how much fun the students and also working towards different awards. I have enjoyed having the opportunity to get out side and start to make a real difference .
What has been your favourite activity in The Orchard?
There have been so many, it’s difficult to choose! I would say I am pretty proud of the bug mansion that we constructed, called ‘Bugingham Palace.’ I have enjoyed helping students construct the potting tables and learning new skills in doing so. We have lots of exciting projects in the pipeline and are hoping to get some visitors in too so watch this space!
