Yorkshire and the Humber


Setting up your school garden
Now cancelled
Ellicar House
Do you want to start a school garden? Not sure where to begin? Need some ideas to develop your existing garden? Come along for an inspiring, hands-on day spent in our school teaching garden. We will cover planning and designing a range of school gardens from sensory, wildlife through to eco and food-growing. Practical sessions include measuring, soil analysis, ground preparation; choosing plants, planting out and garden maintenance. We will look at building materials, raised beds, ponds and outdoor classrooms; also mulches and irrigation and low maintenance gardening. We will look at a fantastic range curriculum activities created with children and teachers from wildlife habitats, mosaics, environmental art and willow sculptures- all on show in our teaching garden. Finally we will discuss funding and organising your exciting project. Curriculum suggestions specific to KS1, 2, 3 and secondary schools.

 


Growing in the early years
21 October 2009
South Parade Primary School
This one day course offers an opportunity for Early Years Foundation Stage staff to develop their understanding of gardening and the environment. The knowledge and practical skills gained will help in the delivery of learning and also with the development of outdoor areas for growing and investigating the environment.
To book please contact Geoff Fisher on 01924 307222 or email Geoff.Fisher@groundwork.org.uk

 


School Garden Science
18 November 2009
Outwood Grange College of Technology
This course offers a broad range of horticultural topics. It is aimed at secondary school staff wishing to develop a garden or use an existing area, with the emphasis on teaching science. The day will include plenty of “hands on” activities related to; ecology, the environment, identification and grouping of living things, flowering plants and scientific investigation all related to and using a school garden. There will also be a discussion and activities centred on the design and development of garden features, wild life areas and forest gardens.
To book please contact Geoff Fisher on 01924 307222 or email Geoff.Fisher@groundwork.org.uk

 

SPRING TERM


Gardening in schools
28 January 2010
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
A day exploring how to use the school grounds no matter how small the growing space available. There will be a guide to setting up vegetable, sensory and wildlife areas. We shall bombard you with creative ideas for growing in your school grounds, as well as covering health and safety and the practicalities of working with children outside. There will be a chance to have a go at some National Curriculum linked activities including a workshop on propagation to develop your own skills.

 


Gardening in schools
10 February 2010
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
A day exploring more ways to garden creatively in school. We shall be looking at new ideas for growing vegetables including a guide to companion planting. We shall guide you through planning your vegetable growing year and offer you our list of ‘Top Crops’ to grow in the school. There will also be a chance to think about those awkward areas in the grounds. Have you ever thought about the fascinating world of Alpines or how to plant a wildflower meadow? During the day we will think carefully about composting and give you a chance to extend your gardening skills through a propagation workshop.

 


What school gardens can do for you – the challenge of bricks & concrete
10 February 2010
Wood Lane Countryside Centre
This will be a practical and interactive day based on analysing a typical school site for its ‘growing potential’ and more. Say goodbye to endless close-mown grass, dusty old rose beds and dull shrub borders and learn how to inject some interest and life into your outside area! **Suitable for Early Years and KS1 practitioners**

 


Supporting the Environmental and Land-based Studies diploma
12 February 2010
Outwood Grange College of Technology
This practical workshop is aimed at secondary teachers and staff who want to learn how to set up and use their school grounds and gardens to deliver the Diploma in Environmental Land-based studies. It is a day of practical ideas to bring the new Environmental and Land-Based Studies diploma to life through teaching in gardens. This workshop will help make the most of your gardens and grounds at school or college and resources in your local area. From working with plants and animals to food production and using the landscape; learning in gardens can inspire students and tutors alike! 
To book please contact Geoff Fisher on 01924 307222 or email Geoff.Fisher@groundwork.org.uk

 


Growing in early years – digging, planting and picking
25 February 2010
Wood Lane Countryside Centre
This will be a practical, fun day - exploring different soils, seeds and plants both indoors and outdoors. The range of ideas and activities will be suitable for the most novice gardener or for those with some experience but needing more inspiration. Helpful discussions and handouts will bring ‘Growing’ right into the heart of the EYFS.

 


Working with willow
2 March 2010
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Phil Bradley is a full-time basket maker and willow grower with 15 years experience of working with willow in schools. We will be taking a look at a whole variety of willow related projects from outdoor live willow play structures through to indoor screens and sculptural projects. Part of the day will be spent looking at some examples of previous work in schools and there will be a practical session for some hands-on involvement with willow. You will find this an inspirational day that will allow you to return to school full of ideas and the know-how to have a go at a willow project of your own.

 


Setting up a school garden and growing food in your secondary school
16 March 2010
Batley High School
Coming soon.
Book direct by calling Judith on 0113 258 2290 or email katemeasures@hotmail.co.uk

 


Learning and growing the curriculum outdoors
17 March 2010
Batley High School
This practical workshop is aimed at secondary teachers and staff who want to use their school grounds and gardens to deliver the National Curriculum through real world learning. The day will be packed full of case studies, lesson plans and ideas for using outdoor areas at your school and gardening to deliver inspiring teaching and learning. Curriculum areas covered will include science, geography and key skills, amongst others. The day will be linked to the Sustainable Schools doorway themes, Campaign for School Gardening and the Learning Outside the Classroom campaign.
Book direct by calling Judith on 0113 258 2290 or email katemeasures@hotmail.co.uk

 

 

Gardening to support the new primary curriculum
South Parade Primary School
19 March 2010
Coming soon.
To book please contact Geoff Fisher on 01924 307222 or email Geoff.Fisher@groundwork.org.uk

 


Developing a sensory garden
23 March 2010
Ellicar House
Imagine teaching your class outside in dappled shade, surrounded by fragrant climbers, colourful flowers and gently waving grasses, with the sound of water and birdsong....
A sensory garden is an oasis for creative lessons; a calm retreat at playtimes and a beautiful space for meetings and assemblies. Come along a learn how to create your own sensory garden in school. We will cover planning and design, space and layout, choosing plants; building materials and features including mosaics, music and sculpture trails. Practical sessions in our own sensory garden include soil preparation, planting techniques, willow weaving, creating a safe, attractive pond, garden maintenance, composting and planting to attract wildlife too. We will look at curriculum related ideas for your gardens and discuss ways of funding and organising your project. Curriculum suggestions specific to KS1, 2, 3 and secondary schools. Course includes refreshments and a delicious home cooked lunch with our own vegetables.

 


Growing in early years – digging, planting and picking
23 March 2010
Wood Lane Countryside Centre
This will be a practical, fun day - exploring different soils, seeds and plants both indoors and outdoors. The range of ideas and activities will be suitable for the most novice gardener or for those with some experience but needing more inspiration. Helpful discussions and handouts will bring ‘Growing’ right into the heart of the EYFS.

 


Gardening in schools
30 March 2010
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
This is a day for deepening your knowledge. We will run a series of workshops on topics such as:
Plant Companions
Growing fruit in school
Common problems such as weeds, pests, plants to avoid
Exotic vegetable varieties
As always come prepared to share the activities that you have been carrying out at your school.

 

SUMMER TERM

Sow it, grow it, cook it, eat it - developing a food growing garden
27 April 2010
Ellicar House

(Please note that there was a mistake in the brochure with the date of this course)

Come along for a practical, hands-on day growing vegetables and fruit. Learn how to set up and maintain a vegetable garden in school. Practical sessions include cultivating, seed sowing and transplanting and the day is full of valuable tips and ideas to save you time and labour, including mulches, irrigation and organic techniques. Learn which vegetables and fruit to grow and harvest during the school term; crop rotation, catch crops and companion planting. You will be planting to attract beneficial insects and getting creative building effective pest controls. Build a compost heap, wormery and liquid feed and try your hand at weaving an attractive willow plant support. All these activities can be carried out successfully with children. Finally discuss delicious ways to cook and eat your crops in school. Curriculum suggestions specific to KS1, 2, 3 and secondary schools. Course includes refreshments and a delicious home cooked lunch with our own vegetables.

 


Food growing in schools
14 May 2010
Outwood Grange College
This course offers a broad range of horticultural topics for secondary school staff wishing to develop a growing area within the school grounds. Following completion of the course staff will be confident about setting up a growing area and also able to use it in a range of curriculum subjects. The day will include plenty of hands on activities so please come prepared for working outdoors.
To book please contact Geoff Fisher on 01924 307222 or email Geoff.Fisher@groundwork.org.uk

 


Activities and environmental art in your school garden
25 May 2010
Ellicar House
Come and join us for a hands-on, creative day spent in our school teaching garden. You will be amazed by the variety of exciting curriculum activities we will carry out using material gathered from the garden that you will be able to take back to school too! Gardening activities include creating a herb sculpture, building a compost heap and smelly liquid feed; create a weather station and getting ideas for data collection and scientific enquiry; build an alternative pest deterrent in our vegetable garden and paint an attractive plant label; weave willow sculptures and plant supports in the sensory garden; create a beautiful and practical wildlife wall; weave onto our life-size resident willow sculpture. We will take a tour around the wildlife garden gathering twigs, cones, seed heads and stems to create artwork and a wonderful range of habitats for beneficial insects. We will dig up clay to make boggits and study soil types. A fantastic day that will send you off full of enthusiasm and ideas to carry out with your children at school! Curriculum suggestions specific to KS1, 2, 3 and secondary schools. Course includes refreshments and a delicious home cooked lunch with our own vegetables.

 


Wildlife gardening in the school grounds
9 June 2010
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
A day devoted to exploring a variety of habitats at RHS Garden Harlow Carr which will include meadows, ponds and leaf litter. We will be deepening your minibeast knowledge through close observation and collection and discover fun ways to collect and encourage wildlife into your school grounds.
During this enjoyable day there will be a variety of practical activities linking to relevant QCA units, which can be used in the primary school setting. These will include sculptures, games and identification traps. You will also be able to plant up your very own ‘Butterfly Bowl!’ 

 


Setting up a wildlife garden
15 June 2010
Ellicar House
Come and join us for a fantastic hands-on day learning how to create your own sustainable and attractive wildlife oasis in school. Practical sessions in our own wildlife garden include clearing the site, soil preparation and analysis; choosing plants to attract wildlife and creating a naturalistic outdoor classroom for lessons outdoors. From nectar borders, bird gardens, wildflower meadows, spider gardens, wildlife trails and living willow domes you will be inspired by the endless creative possibilities for an interactive wildlife garden in school! We will build a variety of exciting habitats, and look at a simple, low maintenance wildlife pond. We will look at ways of studying mini-beasts and birds, and cover ideas for helping wildlife through the winter- all fun, curriculum related activities for children to do in school. Finally, a wildlife garden does not mean a wilderness!!! We will look at planting techniques, maintenance and ways of making your wildlife user-friendly. Curriculum suggestions specific to KS1, 2, 3 and secondary schools.

 
 
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