Pupils at Windermere School’s Elleray Campus recently celebrated National Gardening Week by undertaking a series of gardening projects.
The students currently take part in similar activities throughout the year using the school’s own greenhouse on a weekly basis, such as compost mixing, disposing of garden waste and weeding.
Rachael Thomas, headteacher and head of the school’s Gardening Club, said: “The children are really hands on in the garden. To the experienced, orderly gardener it may seem a little chaotic, but the children love to get their hands dirty, are keen to learn and show real delight when the first shoots appear from the seeds they have planted.
“This is also a fantastic opportunity for the children to learn about responsibility, teamwork and health. Together they keep the plot relatively weed free, making sure it remains tidy and, when their plants are ready to harvest, they can enjoy a healthy, homemade meal.”
Earlier in the year, pupils planted broad beans, onions, peas and potatoes and are now growing summer crops to be used by the school’s catering team.
Rachael added: “The children often come across creepy crawlies, flying insects and worms and are keen to know what they do. We take time out to explain to them that the garden has its own ecosystem and these creatures play an important role in making sure their plants grow. From pollinating insects to burrowing earthworms taking vital nutrients to the plants’ roots, very little in the garden happens by accident.
“National Gardening Week helps us to promote everything that is great about getting out in the garden. It’s healthy, both physically and emotionally; it enables the children to learn vital skills such as communication and teamwork; it’s been suggested that it fuels their entrepreneurial spirit, as well as helping the children to gain resilience and confidence; and, above all, it’s great fun.”