BRGS Energy Competition

The use of electricity at BRGS has increased dramatically in recent years and there have been many comments about problems with the heating system. A group of sixth form students has been meeting regularly and came up with the idea of a competition.

Pupils were invited to design a poster to raise awareness of the need to save energy or to suggest energy saving ideas.

The entries ranged from sensible and practical ideas (switch off lights) to the slightly way-out (incinerating year 7 pupils!). What about having thirty exercise bikes linked to generators so each class takes it in turn to spend a lesson producing electricity? Would Rossendale’s Planning Committee welcome a wind turbine on the top field?

Runner’s up prizes of £5 have been awarded to Michael Brown in 7R for his design idea for a “switch off”sticker and to Edward Marston in 11G for his energy and water-saving suggestions inspired by the work of the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales.

Two first prizes of £25 each have been awarded. Scott Taylor in 8R designed a poster with lots of good energy-saving ideas, a lift-up flap revealing details of how each one could be applied in BRGS. Edward Bishop in 10S produced a wide range of suggestions, including having sensors in each room to turn off the lights if it is not being used. This is one of the many ideas which will be put to the Governors in the next few weeks.

Thanks to all who entered the competition, to the members of the School Energy Group who organised it, and to Peter Fisher for providing the prizes and supporting the Group.

Mr Archer