From the very beginning, the vision was to involve pupils not just in the gardening, but in the design and purpose of the space.  From clearing weeds, creating safe pathways, and ensuring the pond provides a suitable habitat for newts, pupils have been fully involved in practical tasks.  Old school desks have been repurposed into raised planting beds, rainwater has been harvested to nurture fruit, vegetables, and herbs, and a compost area has been created to complete the natural cycle. Along the way, pupils have learnt that sustainability isn’t an abstract concept—it’s something they can actively practice themselves.

 A Classroom Without Walls

The garden creates space for a different kind of learning. Rather than sitting in a classroom, pupils work side by side with staff, creating opportunities for reflection and connection. As Science Garden lead, Mr Metcalfe notes:

This has proved especially valuable for the welfare team, offering a calm and supportive environment where meaningful relationships can grow as naturally as the plants themselves. The garden supports pupils’ wellbeing, providing mental and emotional benefits from time spent outdoors and engaged with nature.

Beyond practical knowledge and emotional benefits, pupils are developing a wide range of life skills. They learn collaboration by working together on projects, creativity through finding inventive solutions, and environmental stewardship by reflecting on their surroundings and considering their role in addressing global challenges.

Growing Healthy Futures

With the support of our in-house hospitality partner, Holroyd Howe, the fruits of pupils’ labour won’t just remain in the garden. Plans are underway for produce grown by students to be incorporated into school meals, showing pupils the full ‘farm to fork’ journey and reinforcing the value of fresh, sustainable food.

Planting the Seeds of the Future

The Science Garden is just the first step in our wider vision for ‘greening’ the School. As Mr Metcalfe describes:

Already, it is a thriving hub of learning, wellbeing, and sustainability—and with exciting plans for further development, its roots will only grow deeper in the years to come. At its heart, the garden reminds us of something simple yet profound: when we give pupils the tools, trust, and space to nurture their environment, they grow right alongside it. The Science Garden isn’t just growing plants—it’s growing the next generation of environmentally conscious thinkers.