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Celebrating Achievements: Dorton College Students

Students dived into environmental consciousness, sustainability, and community action

Throughout the academic year 2022-2023, Dorton College students explored the impact of human behaviours on the planet, different environmental groups, global and local issues, and even ULEZ. Their visit to Bromley Environmental Education Centre at High Elms (BEECHE) provided insights into sustainability prompting them to make individual environmental pledges. The students gained knowledge about recycling and learned how a specific coffee chain (Costa) engages with environmental consciousness, actively encouraging customers to bring their own recyclable coffee cups to their shops.

To complete the “Environmental Awareness” unit, students had to implement a college wide initiative that could help improve environmental awareness within the Dorton Community.

Investigating the introduction of branded recyclable water bottles to replace single-use plastics at Dorton College

They extensively researched various bottle options, giving careful thought to sustainability, capacity, design, and quality. Later, they ordered samples, rigorously testing durability and assessing ease of use, particularly for blind and partially sighted people. Additionally, the students conducted market research within their peer group to gather valuable insights.

After selecting a suitable product, the students collaborated with the RSBC marketing department to determine the suitable branding for the college. Once the branding was finalised, the students calculated the costs associated with the bottles and evaluated the potential financial savings for the college in preparation for the upcoming academic year.

What Lee, Dorton College student, said about the process of choosing the bottle design:

I feel it was important to look at the accessibility of it: How easy is it to use? How flexible is it? Is it easy to carry around for people with other needs as well? So it was all thought about and it was very inclusive to all.

A young person holding an orange water bottle and looking at it closely.

Pitching and producing the bottles

With all the information in place and a prototype ready, the students submitted a proposal to the college principal to gauge the feasibility of implementing their initiative.

The response was positive, leading to an order for Dorton College recyclable water bottles. At the beginning of the Academic year 2023-24, every student received one of these bottles. The students collectively agree that they have made a positive contribution to the environment.

Hayley, Accreditation Coordinator at RSBC Dorton College, said:

I was really proud of how the students brought this initiative to fruition, VI (Visiual Impairment) needs and sustainability two birds with one stone.

More feedback from Lee:

There’s no more special time of year for children – whether they’re five or 50! – than Christmas. It’s a time when there’s magic everywhere, and it’s filled with colour and sparkle. But how can you make sure that children with vision impairment (VI) are able to enjoy the fun and laughter that’s part and […]

A group of young people stand in front of a wooden climbing frame.

No categories November 19, 2024

Boys Crew: why International Men’s Day matters

Each November 19th, the UK celebrates International Men’s Day. It’s not just about celebrating the contribution that men and boys make to our society – this special day also focuses on making a positive difference to their well-being and lives, raises awareness the support available to them, and promotes meaningful conversations about men, manhood and […]

No categories November 7, 2024

Narayan’s story

RSBC’s trustees have shared responsibility for governing our charity, and Narayan’s been a trustee since September 2024. We caught up with him to find out why he’d decided to take this step, and just what being a trustee involves.

Callum, a light skinned man with dark hair, wearing a grey long sleeved shirt with black buttons. He is standing behind a podium lecture desk, with a microphone attached to the top of the desk. Callum is standing in front of a white banner with RSBC written in large orange text, and Royal Society for Blind Children written in small text underneath, there is a thin orange line underneath this text. Underneath the orange line Dorton College is written in black medium sized text. In the bottom left hand corner there is a yellow shape similar to two halves of a flower petal.

No categories November 4, 2024

Callum’s Story

Callum’s been a trustee with RSBC since May 2021. He’s also the Chair of Governors of RSBC’s Dorton College, a specialist further education college for vision impaired young people aged 16-25. We spoke to Callum about what’s involved in being a trustee, why he does it, and what to consider if you’re thinking about becoming […]

Snapshot of a Dorton College activity. A young VI light-skinned man wearing a black t-shirt, black shorts and black & white trainers is in the centre of the picture. He is having fun kicking a football. Other Dorton College students are sat in the background behind him. On the left side of the picture is a Dorton College Staff member lady smiling and holding a football under her left arm. She is wearing a white t-shirt, a black and white pattern midi-skirt and black & White Nike Dunks. On the right stands Atrix, Dorton College's Learning Support Advisor holding a cane and looking at the young man. They are wearing an oversized bright orange RSBC t-shirt, skinny jeans and brown low Dr Martins shoes.

No categories October 25, 2024

Atrix’s story

Originally from the USA, Atrix (pictured above right) has a background in theatre. They’ve directed productions in New York and London, and taught modern dance and choreography to young children and teenagers. They moved to the UK in 2019 to take their Masters degree.

Owain from the RSBC team and a young person standing outside, exploring one of the percussive play outdoor instruments. The two people are standing either side of the instrument. The instrument is made of a series of steel grey tubes, which the young person is tapping to make sound.

No categories October 22, 2024

Owain’s Story

Fun, rewarding and never a dull moment – all ways that Owain would describe his role! But what led him to RSBC, and what does being a Senior Community Support Worker actually involve?

No categories October 13, 2024

Marking Blind Awareness Month: Making play areas more accessible

To mark Blind Awareness Month and World Sight Day this October, RSBC worked with Percussion Play and The Amber Trust to make some noise! Find out more here.

Lauren, a light-skinned young person with short reddish-brown hair and matching lipstick wears a black top and a necklace as they look into the camera with a steady gaze. The background of the image has been edited with a dark navy tint over the image, in the left hand corner there is a graphic yellow RSBC branded 'R'.

No categories October 11, 2024

Lauren’s braille journey

I’m Lauren, and I’m 17 and severely sight impaired/blind. I’ve been visually impaired for a couple of years, and previously needed large print from the age of 10.

Dad Joe with his two boys Noah and Lyle. Joe is standing with the two young boys on either side of him. Joe is medium-light skinned and buzzed-short black hair. Noah aged 9, on the left, is medium-light skinned with red glasses. Lyle aged 3, on the right, medium-light skinned with blue glasses. All three are smiling at the camera brightly.

No categories September 26, 2024

Meet Joe: An RSBC family story

Meet Joe. Joe has vision impairment, caused by congenital cataracts (cloudiness in the lens of the eye) and nystagmus (where the eyes make uncontrolled movement). And he’s Dad to two young sons, Noah, aged 9, and Lyle, 3, who have the same eye conditions.

A father holding his newborn baby baby. The man is medium-light skinned with short hair and stubbed facial hair. The baby is sleeping blissful on his chest.

No categories September 23, 2024

Eyes on the Future

As a new parent, you’ll meet many professionals in the first weeks and months after your baby’s born, and one of the most important people who’ll be supporting your family is your Health Visitor.