Gardening Club at Haslam Park Primary School

Growing Together – Developing Confidence, Character and a Love of Nature

At Haslam Park Primary School, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our Gardening Club is an important part of our wider personal development offer, providing children with meaningful opportunities to develop confidence, independence, resilience, leadership and a sense of responsibility.

Through gardening and outdoor learning, pupils develop practical skills, build positive relationships, work collaboratively and experience the satisfaction of nurturing something from seed to harvest.

Our Gardening Club reflects our commitment to providing a broad, inclusive and enriching education in which every child has opportunities to discover their strengths, experience success and develop skills for life.

Our Gardening Journey – Growing Since 2019

Our Gardening Club was first established in summer 2019 and has continued to develop as a valued part of school life.

From the beginning, our vision was to work alongside pupils, staff, volunteers and members of the local community to create and maintain a welcoming, sustainable garden that could be enjoyed by generations of children.

Over the years, our pupils have helped transform our outdoor areas into spaces for growing, exploring, learning and appreciating the natural environment.

Children have developed their knowledge of gardening through practical experiences, including preparing soil, planting seeds and bulbs, caring for plants, harvesting produce and creating habitats for wildlife.

These activities provide opportunities for children from different year groups to work together, share knowledge, develop friendships and take pride in their contributions to our school environment.

Celebrating Our RHS Level 5 Achievement

We are incredibly proud that, in June 2023, Haslam Park Primary School achieved Level 5 of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Campaign for School Gardening Award.

This represents a significant milestone in our gardening journey, recognising the development of our school gardening provision through all five award levels.

Our progression through the RHS awards reflects the sustained commitment of pupils, staff and community volunteers to developing our outdoor learning environment.

Level 1 – Establishing Our Vision

Our first step was to establish a clear vision for a sustainable school garden.

We wanted to bring together children, staff, volunteers and members of the local community to develop an outdoor space that would encourage learning, responsibility and enjoyment.

From the outset, our ambition was to create something lasting: a garden that children could help develop, nurture and sustain over time.

Level 2 – Learning to Grow

For Level 2, pupils developed practical gardening skills by preparing soil, using gardening tools safely and planting a variety of seeds, bulbs, vegetables, fruit and flowers.

Children learned how to use equipment such as trowels, forks and rakes, and began to understand what plants need to grow successfully.

Watching their seeds germinate and develop gave pupils a real sense of achievement and encouraged patience, perseverance and responsibility.

These experiences also provided opportunities to develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

Level 3 – Encouraging Wildlife and Biodiversity

Our Level 3 project focused on creating a welcoming environment for wildlife and increasing biodiversity within our school grounds.

We were delighted to work with Bolton Men in Sheds, who helped us by constructing a wonderful bug hotel.

With support from volunteers and members of our school community, children collected natural and recycled materials, including twigs, leaves, sticks and other suitable resources, to create habitats for insects and other minibeasts.

Through this project, pupils learned:

• Why insects are important to our environment.

• How pollination supports the growth of plants, flowers and crops.

• How different habitats support biodiversity.

• Why wildlife needs safe places to shelter.

• How natural and recycled materials can be used responsibly.

• The importance of teamwork and caring for living things.

The project also helped pupils understand how our school grounds connect to the wider natural environment, including the neighbouring park.

This was a valuable example of community partnership, practical learning and environmental responsibility working together.

Level 4 – From Garden to Table

For our Level 4 award, pupils took part in a cookery experience using rainbow chard grown in our school garden.

This provided an exciting opportunity to connect gardening with our Design and Technology curriculum.

Children researched ingredients, designed their own flatbreads, measured quantities and explored different flavours.

They used our home-grown rainbow chard alongside ingredients such as sundried tomatoes, garlic and olives.

Through this experience, pupils developed:

• Food preparation and hygiene skills.

• An understanding of where food comes from.

• Mathematical skills through weighing and measuring.

• Creativity and design skills.

• Confidence in exploring unfamiliar foods.

• Teamwork, communication and independence.

Pupil leadership was an important part of this project.

A pupil group leader shared their knowledge and experience of growing rainbow chard, explaining how they had watched the plant develop from the previous year.

This provided a meaningful opportunity for children to learn from one another and recognise the value of their own knowledge and experiences.

Level 5 – Celebrating Our Commitment

Achieving Level 5 in June 2023 marked an important achievement for our school.

It reflected the progression of our gardening provision, the commitment of our school community and the opportunities pupils had been given to develop practical horticultural knowledge and skills.

We are proud of this achievement, but our gardening journey does not stop here.

We remain committed to building upon this success and ensuring that outdoor learning continues to provide valuable opportunities for personal development, wellbeing and environmental education.

To achieve level 5 we had to develop our provision even further, we used parental support to grow our own seeds into plants and then sold them at our Summer Fair, we invited local community members to join us.

Our Gardening Club Today – New Leadership, Continued Commitment

Building upon the work previously led by Miss Marlow, our Gardening Club is now supported and developed by Mrs Robin, Mrs Ahmed and Mr Patel.

Together, they are continuing to develop gardening opportunities and encourage children to take an active role in caring for our outdoor environment.

Our Gardening Club runs during the spring and summer terms, providing pupils with opportunities to develop their gardening skills and take responsibility for growing and maintaining plants.

Children have successfully grown produce including potatoes and strawberries, alongside a range of flowers.

Through these activities, pupils learn about seasonal change, plant growth, sustainability and the importance of caring for the natural environment.

They also develop valuable personal qualities such as patience, determination, teamwork, independence and pride in their achievements.

Pupil Leadership – Growing Responsibility and Independence

Pupil leadership is an important part of our Gardening Club.

We believe that children should have opportunities not only to participate in activities but also to take responsibility, share their ideas and contribute to decisions.

Through gardening, pupils can develop leadership skills by:

• Helping plan planting and growing activities.

• Taking responsibility for caring for plants.

• Supporting younger or less experienced pupils.

• Sharing knowledge about gardening and the natural environment.

• Working together to solve practical problems.

• Making suggestions about improving our outdoor spaces.

• Monitoring the growth and development of plants.

• Reflecting on their achievements and identifying next steps.

These opportunities help children understand the importance of responsibility, cooperation, perseverance and contributing to a shared goal.

Our gardening activities also complement the work of our School Council and Eco Committee, reinforcing our wider commitment to pupil voice, sustainability and active citizenship.

We want children to understand that leadership is not simply about being in charge. It is about listening, helping others, making thoughtful decisions and taking pride in contributing to the school community.

Outdoor Pastoral Support – Meeting the Needs of the Whole Child

At Haslam Park Primary School, we recognise that every child is different and that some pupils benefit from additional opportunities to develop confidence, emotional wellbeing and positive relationships outside the traditional classroom environment.

As part of our wider pastoral provision, Mr Patel, our Facilities Manager, also runs outdoor support sessions for children who benefit from this type of provision.

These sessions provide a practical, supportive environment where children can participate in purposeful outdoor activities while developing important personal, social and emotional skills.

For some children, working outdoors can provide a valuable opportunity to build relationships, experience success and develop confidence in a different setting.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing and Personal Development

Mr Patel's outdoor pastoral sessions provide opportunities for children to:

• Build positive and trusting relationships with a familiar adult.

• Develop self-confidence and a sense of achievement.

• Practise communication and social interaction.

• Develop emotional awareness and self-regulation.

• Build resilience, patience and perseverance.

• Work collaboratively and develop teamwork skills.

• Experience responsibility through practical tasks.

• Develop independence and problem-solving skills.

• Enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.

The provision is designed to respond to the individual needs of the children involved and complements the wider support available within school.

We recognise that some children communicate, engage and develop confidence more successfully through practical experiences and positive relationships in alternative environments.

By providing these opportunities, we aim to help children feel valued, included and supported in ways that recognise their individual strengths.

Going Above and Beyond – Every Adult Makes a Difference

What makes this provision particularly special is that Mr Patel's primary role at Haslam Park Primary School is Facilities Manager.

Alongside his responsibilities for maintaining our school environment, he contributes his time, practical skills and positive relationships with pupils to provide additional pastoral opportunities for children who need them.

His involvement demonstrates our whole-school commitment to ensuring that children receive appropriate support, regardless of which member of staff is best placed to provide it.

At Haslam Park Primary School, we believe that supporting children's wellbeing and development is a shared responsibility.

Every adult has an important part to play, and we value the different strengths, experiences and skills that members of our staff bring to school life.

Mr Patel's contribution is an example of staff going above and beyond their core responsibilities to help meet children's individual needs.

It reflects our belief that personal development is not confined to a lesson, a classroom or a particular job role. It is embedded in the relationships, opportunities and experiences we provide throughout the school day.

At Haslam Park Primary School, every adult can make a difference, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Gardening as Part of Our Personal Development Offer

Our Gardening Club contributes to our wider personal development provision by providing opportunities for pupils to develop knowledge, skills, character and positive attitudes.

Confidence and Self-Esteem

Children experience the satisfaction of seeing their hard work produce visible results, from the first signs of germination to harvesting fruit and vegetables.

Resilience and Perseverance

Gardening teaches pupils that success often requires patience, effort and determination. Children learn that plants do not always grow as expected and that challenges can provide opportunities to learn.

Responsibility and Independence

By caring for plants and maintaining growing areas, pupils develop a sense of ownership and understand the importance of fulfilling responsibilities.

Teamwork and Positive Relationships

Gardening encourages children to communicate, cooperate, share resources and work towards common goals.

Emotional Wellbeing

Outdoor activities provide opportunities for children to enjoy practical experiences, develop positive relationships and benefit from time in the natural environment.

Environmental Awareness

Pupils develop an understanding of sustainability, biodiversity, seasonal change and the importance of protecting our planet.

Healthy Lifestyles

Growing fruit and vegetables helps children understand where food comes from and encourages conversations about healthy eating and making informed choices.

Character and Citizenship

Children learn that their actions can make a positive difference to their school environment and wider community.

Together, these experiences support our ambition to develop confident, compassionate, responsible and resilient young people.

Strengthening Our Curriculum Through Outdoor Learning

Gardening provides meaningful opportunities to apply knowledge and skills from different curriculum subjects.

Science: Understanding plant growth, habitats, life cycles, seasonal change, living things and biodiversity.

Geography: Exploring weather, climate, natural resources, sustainability and the relationship between people and the environment.

Mathematics: Measuring planting distances, counting seeds, comparing growth, calculating quantities and recording data.

English: Developing vocabulary, writing instructions, keeping gardening diaries, discussing ideas and explaining observations.

Design and Technology: Growing and preparing food, planning practical projects, selecting tools and understanding food sources.

PSHE: Developing responsibility, teamwork, emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive relationships.

These connections help pupils understand how classroom learning can be applied to real-life situations.

Working with Our Local Community

Community involvement has been an important part of our Gardening Club since its establishment.

Our partnership with Bolton Men in Sheds helped us develop our bug hotel and demonstrated the value of bringing together different generations, skills and experiences.

We recognise that working with members of our local community can enrich pupils' learning and strengthen their sense of belonging.

These experiences help children appreciate the importance of volunteering, cooperation and contributing positively to the places in which they live.

Our Next Ambition – A Community Allotment

As part of our ongoing commitment to developing outdoor learning, we are exploring opportunities to establish a community allotment plot in the park adjacent to our school.

We are in communication with the local allotment community about the possibility of taking on a plot.

If successful, this would provide an exciting opportunity to extend our gardening provision beyond the school grounds.

Our ambition is to develop opportunities for children and their families to participate in gardening and outdoor learning together.

A community allotment could enable us to:

• Strengthen relationships between school, families and the local community.

• Provide additional opportunities for outdoor learning.

• Develop pupils' understanding of food production and sustainability.

• Encourage intergenerational learning and shared experiences.

• Promote family wellbeing through practical outdoor activities.

• Extend opportunities for pupil leadership and responsibility.

• Develop a sustainable growing space for future generations of pupils.

This remains an aspiration while discussions are ongoing, but it reflects our commitment to continuing to develop meaningful opportunities for children and families.

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Opportunity

At Haslam Park Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that pupils have opportunities to develop their strengths, interests and talents.

We recognise that personal development does not look the same for every child.

For some pupils, success may come through academic learning. For others, practical experiences, outdoor activities, teamwork or positive relationships may provide particularly meaningful opportunities to grow.

Our Gardening Club and outdoor pastoral provision demonstrate how we aim to provide varied experiences that recognise children's individual needs.

By drawing upon the skills of our staff, strengthening community partnerships and providing purposeful opportunities for pupil leadership, we seek to create an environment in which every child can experience success and develop a sense of belonging.

Looking Ahead – Continuing to Grow

From our beginnings in 2019 to achieving the RHS Level 5 Award in 2023, our Gardening Club has become a valued part of school life.

Under the leadership of Mrs Robin, Mrs Ahmed and Mr Patel, we look forward to continuing to develop this provision, building upon the work of Miss Marlow and the many pupils, staff and volunteers who have contributed over the years.

Our ambitions include strengthening pupil leadership, developing our growing areas, encouraging environmental responsibility and exploring opportunities for greater family and community involvement.

Above all, we want our Gardening Club to remain a place where children can learn, develop friendships, build confidence and experience the joy of achieving something together.

Growing Plants, Growing Confidence, Growing Futures

At Haslam Park Primary School, we believe that gardening is about much more than growing plants. It is about nurturing confidence, developing character, building relationships and helping every child recognise their own potential.

Our Gardening Club reflects the commitment of our whole school community to providing meaningful opportunities that support pupils' personal development, wellbeing and lifelong learning.

Children at Haslam Park Primary School have demonstrated a strong commitment to developing their knowledge, skills and understanding of gardening and the natural environment. In June 2023, the school successfully achieved Level 5 of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening Award, recognising the high level of engagement and progression within our school gardening provision. 

Following this achievement, the school has continued to develop and embed gardening opportunities across the curriculum and wider school life. Our gardening club has run successfully throughout the spring and summer terms, providing pupils from a range of year groups with opportunities to develop practical horticultural skills, work collaboratively and take responsibility for caring for plants and growing areas. 

Through these experiences, pupils have successfully grown a range of produce, including potatoes and strawberries, alongside a variety of flowers. These activities have supported pupils in developing an understanding of seasonal change, plant growth and the importance of caring for the natural environment, while also providing valuable opportunities for practical learning and teamwork. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to developing our outdoor learning provision, the school is currently exploring opportunities to establish a community allotment plot within the park adjacent to the school. We are currently in communication with the local allotment community regarding the possibility of taking on a plot. 

If successful, this will provide an exciting opportunity to further extend our gardening provision beyond the school grounds. We aim to develop our existing after-school gardening club to include families and parents, strengthening links with our local community and encouraging families to participate in gardening and outdoor learning together. 

This ongoing development reflects our commitment to providing pupils with meaningful, practical experiences that promote responsibility, teamwork, wellbeing, environmental awareness and a lifelong appreciation of the natural world.