New Developments

More solar power

The bio-fuel boiler and photo-voltaic canopy have now been joined by a further piece of sustainable technology. Solar thermal panels now supply most of the hot water during the longer days of the year and even during the shorter days serve to preheat the domestic hot water so the bio-fuel boiler has less to do – enabling it to concentrate on heating the Centre.

The result is a further reduction of our ‘carbon footprint’ and our annual running costs. The installation was paid for in part by the last government’s “Low Carbon Buildings” funding and part by the Shortenills Environmental Education Trust. ‘SolarTech’ of Buckingham were instrumental in helping us acquire the funding and installing the panels.

The images show the 8 panels newly sited on the roof of Chestnut dormitory and the lowering of the large reservoir tank to store the solar heated water.

The solar-thermal panels now join the PV array and the bio-fuel boiler as part of the Eco-Trail which brings the learners and technology into productive activity.

Raised beds

We have added the raised beds to the greenhouse to generate more example crops – those that grow best outside. During the year visitors can expect a green salad, and further items when in season, to add to their meals and all grown in the compost produced on site.

Just installed: a polytunnel and new wildlife cameras

Sunship Earth

This is a new 5 day residential holiday programme for children in years 4,5 and 6 run this August for the first time in Buckinghamshire. See ‘Holiday Activities’ for more details. (See Holiday Activities for more details.)

Inspection Report – May 2010

The Quality Badge is awarded to providers by the Commission for Learning Outside the Classroom. Any provider can apply by completing a SEF (self assessment form) much like the school OFSTED system. It covers the safety, competency, quality, policies, programme planning, communications and value for money of the learning and services provided. For Centres offering outdoor pursuits, field study activities and residential accommodation an inspection is mandatory. The comments received from the inspector who awarded our Quality Badge include the following:

Shortenills is “a little jewel of a Centre with with the surrounding grounds managed to provide a rich variety of habitats for the young people to explore safely. ….. The Centre is the best example I have of an institution putting the ideas of sustainability into practice and ensuring that the pupils are both aware and participate in aspects of that practice ….. The teaching and learning offered and services provided are efficient, effective and good value for money. They meet the standards required by the LOtC Quality Badge and in many areas are exemplary."