Tick off Bronze, Silver and Gold for... Having fun in the garden

1 November 2011 – Getting children out into a garden and or/allotment could see you ticking off Bronze, Silver and Gold criteria. Now’s a good time to be protecting plants from cold snaps and sowing broad beans and garlic.

Food Education criteria
Bronze: Our pupils have the opportunity to grow and harvest food and make compost, and this is linked to wider learning
Silver: We ensure pupils in our garden group and/or a class are growing fruit, vegetables and herbs organically.
Gold x 2: All pupils have the opportunity to participate in organic food growing during their time at our school.
AND: We actively involve our pupils in planning the food growing calendar and maintaining the growing area using organic principles.

Resources

Garden Organic has a wealth of resources to help you get growing, whether you’re starting out or growing prize winning pumpkins. Check out their website for monthly tips on what to do in the garden and activity sheets for schools.

Visit the Food for Life Partnership websites for Food Growing Manuals for Bronze and Silver/Gold.

Case study

Bourne Westfield Primary in Lincolnshire was keen to create an outdoor space for the children to reflect the school’s ‘Outstanding’ status in their Ofsted report. Now the children love digging for worms and beetles. Read the case study.

Carshalton Boys Sports College has found a unique way to get parents planting in the city. Read the case study.

School blog

Pupils at Holy Trinity CE Primary School in Lincolnshire had a go at making authentic World War recipes with carrots grown in the school garden, and have been sowing baby lettuces and radishes in the autumn sun. Read the blog.