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:

Albie was born with severe sight impairment, having been diagnosed when he was 4 months old. His mum and dad, Abbie and Lewis, are both running the 2025 London Marathon to raise funds for RSBC – the first time that two parents of a child supported by the charity have run together at this famous […]

Julie, a light skinned woman with long brown hair sits at a desk with her hands folded in front of her. There are wooden shelves in the background. She is smiling broadly and wearing a metallic bronze coloured top.

No categories March 28, 2025

Mother’s Day: our CEO shares her story

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone celebrating! In recognition of this special day, we sat down with our CEO, Julie, to hear about her relationship with her daughter, Saime, who is registered blind.

Camille, a young person with black rimmed glasses and long dark hair, wears a black jacket and white shirt and smiles broadly at the camera.

No categories March 20, 2025

What our young poets have to say this World Poetry Day

We were delighted to host two workshop sessions with renowned poet Dave Steele recently, and they certainly fired up the imaginations of the young people who attended! We’re pleased to be able to showcase the incredible talent that came out of the workshops in the beautiful poems written by those attending below.

Two women sitting at a computer in an office, one is helping the other with work. There is a man sitting at his computer to their right.

No categories March 10, 2025

RSBC’s 5 key reforms to support young people into work

The government has just announced plans for a major shakeup of the welfare system, with £6bn of proposed cuts. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are a lifeline for many people in our community. We understand the system needs reform, and that tough times can call for tough measures. But cutting back on PIP without making it […]

A member of Dorton College's team with three students. Two are standing to the team members left and one is on the right. They are all linking arms with big smiles on their faces. They are standing in front of the RSBC Dorton College sign, which also has purple bunting and a sign that says: Careers Day above the bunting.

No categories March 7, 2025

Dorton College careers day: giving our students the confidence to shine

Too often, young people living with a vision impairment aren’t given the career opportunities they deserve. That’s why RSBC’s Dorton College hosted a careers day recently, inviting external speakers to inspire our students and help provide them with the tools they need to enter the world of work.

A photograph of the Royal Society for Blind Children Dorton College sign. The sign is on a wall to the right of where the camera is pointing. The camera is pointing down the Dorton College hallway.

No categories March 5, 2025

Gary O’Donoghue’s win at the RTS Television Journalism Awards

Each year, the Royal Television Society hosts the Television Journalism Awards, celebrating the most prestigious change-makers in the British journalism space.

A photograph of Dave The Blind Poet. He is standing in a field wearing a black coat, burgundy roll-neck top and a grey hat. The top of his cane is in view on his left. His head is faced slightly to the left and tilting upwards.

No categories March 4, 2025

Young people unlock their imagination at The Blind Poet’s workshops

Dave Steele, popularly known as The Blind Poet, is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning poet, author, speaker and singer – and an advocate for people with vision impairment.

Members of the Youth Forum group and VI mentors in line against a wall. They are all smiling an posing for the camera creating a warm, friendly and dynamic atmosphere.

No categories March 3, 2025

Helping young people be heard: RSBC’s Youth Voice Strategy Day

Recently, RSBC’s Youth Forum, Young Ambassadors and members of the RSBC team came together for a Youth Voice Strategy Day at our Life Without Limits Centre in London. The mission was simple: young people were tasked with coming up with their own objectives and create a roadmap for the future, which would help RSBC identify […]