Mrs Schofield (Head of Year 4)

This term, Year 4 are going to be investigating energy and sustainability. The theme was first introduced to them through the film Wall-E, which provides a stark vision of the Earth and life in the future. This inspired discussions regarding energy, recycling and responsibility for our planet. On Thursday, the girls visited the hydroelectric power facility by the Schools’ Boat House on the River Great Ouse.

Miss Fisher (Year 4 teacher) said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to show the girls first hand a renewable and sustainable power source.”

The girls were visibly taken aback by the power of the water and fascinated by the two Archamedic screws used to create electricity. The once derelict Victorian boat slide was converted to a power station in 2012 and is used to power the street lighting along the river and the remaining power is sold back to the National Grid.

The girls were amazed to learn that by the river water turning the turbines, 168,000 kilowatt hours of energy is generated every year, saving taxpayers £32,000 and 70,000 kilograms of CO2 per year. We look forward to seeing their work inspired by this visit.