RHS Presentation to our young gardeners...

The sun shone on Friday, and at lunchtime the whole school gathered in the warmth to work together on our Centenary Potager Garden and await the arrival of the Royal Horticultural Society representatives who were due to present Mrs Bawden with our plaque. This marks the fact that we have achieved all five benchmarks in the 'Campaign for Gardening in Schools' scheme.

A feat achieved by only a handful of schools to date, as was pointed out.

Having walked through the garden and looked carefully and closely at everything which has been planted in the beds this term, the presentation was made. When Mrs Bawden asked pupils to put up their hands if they had helped to plant and tend the garden over the months, every single hand was raised!

We also received heaps of praise for what was described 'as some of the best evidence to date to support a submission for the Level 5 benchmark' and an envelope of vouchers which can be spent to further enhance our garden.  The presentation formalities were completed by Eileen Willetts and Suzanne Love from the RHS, with Mrs Bawden and our Headmaster, Mr Ilett accepting the awards accompanied by a small group of pupils representing all those who  have worked so hard to achieve this project. 


When Mrs Bawden launched the scheme, at the start of this academic year, it was her intention to create a permanent outdoor learning area that can be used as a classroom and enjoyed by every year group. This she has achieved within a remarkably short space of time. The garden will form a lasting tribute to our centenary year.

Our congratulations to all our young gardeners : and their 'Head Gardener' Mrs Bawden!