Congratulations to the Level 5 Schools!
Celebrating with the wider community
At this level schools should have:
• The garden seen as a key resource for teaching and learning, serving pupils, staff and the community
• Regular celebrations of achievements in the garden through project work, assemblies and open days
• A garden which is an outstanding example with regard to range of plants, sustainable practices and all-year-round care and maintenance
• A garden which is considered to be an example of best practice in the field of education
• Pupils who are competent in all the horticultural skills required to prepare, plant, nurture and maintain the garden
• Older pupils who can plan ahead, understand seasonality, and have the skills to design and construct elements of the garden
• Pupils who can use and care for a comprehensive range of tools
• Older pupils who are able to coach younger pupils within the school
• Pupils who can define a range of gardening terms and use them appropriately
• Pupils who have gained many key skills and life skills through gardening including: self-confidence, patience, nurturing/caring, teamwork/cooperation, respect for others, problem solving, communication, mentoring
• Pupils who are keeping garden journals and are able to plan, carry out and review their own work
• Some pupils who are developing enterprise skills linked to the garden and its produce
• Regular briefings and planning meetings in the garden to maximise its use as a resource for teaching and learning
• The capacity to receive staff from other schools for mentoring/coaching
• Most National Curriculum subjects being taught by linking to the school garden
• A comprehensive range of interpretation materials, both in the garden and in the classroom
• A cross section of the whole community involved with the school garden
• Outside experts welcomed to come and share their skills
• Open days in the garden held at least once a year for the whole community
• Opportunities in the garden for adult (life-long) learning
Infant and Nursery Schools
Primary Schools
Secondary Schools