Our School Garden: A Living Classroom
Read Caroline’s latest newsletter here … January 2025
At St. Mark’s Church of England Primary School, our garden is more than just a green space; it is a vibrant and integral part of our educational experience. With the expertise of our dedicated gardener, Caroline, our garden is meticulously maintained to ensure it remains a beautiful and functional resource throughout the seasons.
A Hub for Outdoor Learning
Caroline plays a crucial role in bringing the outdoors into our curriculum. Working closely with classes, she helps to integrate garden-based activities into lessons, particularly in science. Our expansive garden space offers ample opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration, allowing students to observe and interact with nature as part of their educational journey.
Science in the Garden
Science lessons come to life in our garden, where students can engage in practical experiments and observations. From studying plant growth to investigating soil composition and learning about ecosystems, the garden serves as an outdoor classroom that complements and enriches their learning experience.
Class Gardens and Vegetable Patches
Each class at St. Mark’s is assigned its own garden patch where they plant and nurture a variety of vegetables and flowers. This not only teaches students about gardening and responsibility but also provides a tangible connection to their learning. The vegetables grown are harvested and sold, giving students a sense of achievement and entrepreneurial experience.
The flower patches are a source of pride and beauty, with each class contributing to the vibrant and colourful landscape of our school grounds. These areas are meticulously tended by the students, fostering a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
Our Spiritual Garden is a serene space designed for quiet reflection and contemplation. This tranquil area provides students with a peaceful retreat where they can unwind and connect with nature, promoting mental well-being and mindfulness.
Pond and Wildlife
The garden features a charming pond that attracts a variety of aquatic life, including frogs and other wildlife. This pond not only adds to the beauty of our garden but also offers students an opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity.
Chickens and Eggs
Adding to the charm of our garden are our chickens, who provide fresh eggs for the school. Caring for the chickens teaches students about animal husbandry and responsibility while providing a practical lesson in where food comes from.
New Pizza Oven
We are excited to have a brand new pizza oven in our garden, which enhances our nutrition and Design Technology (DT) classes. Students have the opportunity to learn about cooking, nutrition, and the science of baking in a hands-on, interactive environment. The pizza oven not only supports our curriculum but also allows students to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Our garden is also a platform for students to showcase their skills and creativity through various gardening competitions. We regularly enter gardening contests, including the prestigious London Lower Society’s Sunflower Challenge. These competitions provide students with the opportunity to apply their gardening knowledge, develop their green thumbs, and gain recognition for their hard work and achievements.
A Proud Resource
Our school garden is a fantastic resource that enriches our curriculum and supports our commitment to holistic education. It serves as a dynamic and interactive space where students can engage with nature, develop practical skills, and experience the joy of growing and creating. We take great pride in our garden and the many ways it contributes to our students’ learning and development.