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:

Dr Tom Pey, Honorary President of RSBC, is the founder of Waymap, the world’s most accurate indoor and outdoor navigation system. This Global Accessibility Day, he talks about his long standing relationship with our charity, and how with Waymap’s step-based location technology he plans to make every city in the world more accessible.

A photograph of Nathan standing in a field holding his son, Alfie with his right arm after completing a running challenge. Nathan is wearing a Nike running vest. Alfie is wearing sunglasses, a white top, hoodie and blue trousers.

No categories May 8, 2025

Nathan’s story: running for Alfie

Nathan’s taking on three running challenges to fundraise for RSBC – the Tatton 10k, the Manchester Half Marathon, and the Chester Marathon. Nathan and his wife, Jessica, have a son, Alfie, who was born with albinism. It’s a genetic condition which causes a lack of pigment and, like many people with albinism, Alfie has difficulties […]

No categories April 30, 2025

A marathon to remember!

The London Marathon 2025 saw 56,000 runners take to the streets of London to challenge themselves and raise money for a huge range of good causes. And amongst the thousands who took part were 68 athletes who were supporting RSBC.

A light-skinned women with light brown hair wearing red glasses. She is standing in front of a low brick wall with fields in the background whilst smiling with her thumbs up. Hannah is wearing an RSBC orange running vest, black top and black shorts with a waist water holder.

No categories April 22, 2025

Running for Sharn and Maya

With the London Marathon fast approaching, we spoke to runner Hannah to find out why she wanted to raise funds for RSBC.

Nick, a light-skinned man who's a London Marathon fundraiser for RSBC taking a selfie. He's smiling at the camera wearing a long-sleeved blue top, a black sleeveless running jacket over the top and a black cap.

No categories April 14, 2025

Nick’s path to the London Marathon

This April, Nick will be running the London Marathon for RSBC. We sat down with him to find out why he wanted to run for us, and learn a little bit more about his journey so far.

A light-skinned mother and father, Abbie and Lewis, holding their young boy, Albie. They are all smiling brightly. Abbie is wearing a black and white dress, Lewis, a white shirt with black spots on it and Albie a blue shirt with cream dungarees.

No categories April 9, 2025

Running for Albie

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 […]