MOUNT House School at Tavistock has embarked on a major initiative to reinforce in its pupils the twin concepts of environmental sustainability and stewardship.
Mount House is believed to be the first independent school in the country to make these themes an integral part of learning by making them a permanent part of a newly-developed sustainable design and technology curriculum.
Headmaster Jim Massey said: 'Too much of education today seems to be a matter of ticking boxes, but I believe that in preparatory schools it should be much more fundamental than that, and needs to teach fundamental values.
'At Mount House we want to counter the culture of instant gratification, celebrity-worship and electronic games by instilling in our pupils respect and appreciation of natural beauty, and of things which are enduring.'
The project is being driven by Geoff Whaley, head of design and technology. A three-acre site has been set aside in the grounds, and many changes associated with it are already apparent.
The first steps were taken last year when 12 eating, dessert and mixed apple trees were planted to form an orchard. Some of the trees will bear their first fruit this summer.
More recently The School has begun processing used cooking oil from the kitchens into diesel to fuel its estate machinery.
An area will be devoted to growing vegetables that the children will nurture from seeds, pass on to the kitchens and eventually eat in the dining room.
This area will be irrigated by natural water from a borehole which has already been sunk in the grounds, through a wind-turbine powered pump.
Flowers and plants native to the area will form a nature garden to encourage bees, butterflies and other insects for the children to study.
As well as the nurturing of plants and energy and water conservation, the children will learn about animal husbandry, and there is expected to be excitement next term when livestock begins to take up residence in the areas that are being prepared for them.