This initiative is organised by the school’s Eco-Committee which consists of 19 children (one child from each Prep class), and PATCH (Parents and Teachers Association of Chandlings ) also help run the apple pressing during the week.

The school hires the apple crusher, apple presser and pasteuriser from a local company, Abingdon Carbon Cutters, who look at different ways of reducing our carbon footprint.  The pressed apples fill hundreds of bottles brought in by the children and are subsequently sold at the end of each day. Each year group from Nursery right through to Year 6 have the opportunity to press the apples.

The proceeds go towards other eco-friendly initiatives that the Eco-Committee have voted for, such as building the school’s poly-tunnel for the gardening club that enables the children to grow unusual flowers, fruits and vegetables which need warmer climates.

“The environment and climate change are hugely important aspects in our daily school lives.  Chandlings’ Eco-Committee is at the heart of deciding what areas we need to focus on and how we can reduce, re-use, recycle and ensure that the school is as eco-friendly as possible,” said Tim Saunders, head of the Eco-Committee.  “We encourage children to link farming with their food. The apple pressing initiative shows them where apple juice really comes from!” he added.

We also had an article about in the Oxford Mail.