Grow community work with schools to create allotment and growing space in otherwise unused areas within school grounds. Our aim is to regenerate children's relationship with the land through our outdoor learning program.
Here at Grow Community we believe that every child should learn at least a little of the importance how to grow their own food, particularly fresh, organic produce. We help build and maintain allotment space for growing fruit and vegetables, that have been grown without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides.
We understand that not all children thrive in an indoor classroom environment, for many different reasons. By applying more practical skills we believe children can thrive having outdoor learning run parallel with the curriculum based education.
Our groups help to create an environment that supports children's education, whilst teaching them about healthy eating, natural environment, self sufficiency and sustainability.
Science
Photosynthesis, nutrient cycles, eco-systems, plant biology Ecology
Healthy Eating
Learning about plant nutrition, benefits of diverse food intake, seasonal eating, chemical free organic growing
Maths
Measuring seeds planting distances and depths, measuring water for plant maintenance, planning planting schedules
Design and technology
Designing garden space, building raised beds, watering systems
Through grow community clubs, children can enjoy spending time out in nature, whilst learning the importance of our relationship with the environment.
Our growing techniques include companion planting, natural pest deterrents, supporting natural habitat and creating pollinator gardens to encourage more indigenous species of bee and butterfly.
Grow community help build a sense of community within schools, where children can grow food to be shared with their fellow pupils and family.
Where possible, freshly grown vegetables can go directly into the kitchens of each school to allow access to fresh organic produce.
Through seed swaps and table top sales, our grow clubs help provide children and our local community with locally sourced produce.
Children are also encouraged to take plants and seedlings home to their families and friends, to help spread the joy of growing!
How can 'Grow Community' help your school?
Our grow clubs can help your school make a strong case for funding an after-school "grow your own fruit and vegetables" club. Here's how Grow Community can help your school emphasise how it meets key curriculum goals and aligns with Ofsted criteria across multiple areas of evaluation.
Science
Grow community club would directly support science objectives by offering practical experience with plant biology, ecosystems, photosynthesis, and nutrient cycles. Learning these concepts through hands-on gardening activities can deepen understanding and make abstract scientific concepts more engaging and accessible.
Geography
By examining human-environment interactions, water conservation, and sustainable food practices, students can see geography topics in action. This aligns with national curriculum goals in environmental sustainability, which are increasingly emphasized within schools.
Design and Technology
Designing garden layouts, managing watering systems, or even creating compost setups allows students to apply design and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts, supporting design and technology objectives.
Citizenship
Environmental stewardship, food security, and community responsibility are key citizenship education elements. Grow community club would engage students in understanding their role within local and global ecosystems, making the learning deeply relevant to today's environmental challenges.
These aspects illustrate how a post-school gardening group could bolster crucial areas of the curriculum and dovetail with Ofsted's pursuits, while giving pupils worthwhile personal, social, and practical skills for life.
This supplemental activity not just amplifies the learning journey but also adds to the comprehensive development that Ofsted seeks in successful schools.
Quality of Education
Ofsted values education that goes beyond rote learning, seeking instead to make learning "sticky" through practical, real-world experiences. Grow Community clubs offer experiential learning that reinforces core curriculum content, providing students with lasting knowledge and a practical skill set.
Behaviour and Attitudes
Structured after-school activities like grow club can positively impact students’ attitudes toward learning and school engagement, which is especially valuable for students needing extra support or motivation. By fostering an inclusive environment, the club can contribute to a positive school culture, supporting Ofsted’s criteria for behavior and attitudes.
Personal Development
Ofsted highly values programs that help students build character, resilience, and responsibility. Through our grow clubs students would not only learn to care for plants but also develop a sense of responsibility, patience, and teamwork—all skills that contribute to personal growth. The club also promotes healthy choices, introducing students to the benefits of nutrition and sustainable living.
Mental Health and Well-being
Gardening is known to reduce stress and improve mental health, offering a calming, positive environment that supports overall student well-being. This is in line with Ofsted’s focus on student welfare and the holistic support schools provide.
Social Skills and Teamwork
Working together in the garden encourages collaboration and effective communication, skills that are valuable both in and beyond school. These interactions help build a supportive community, contributing to Ofsted’s emphasis on fostering a positive school environment.
Healthy Eating and Nutrition
Grow club provides practical education on the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, supporting students in making healthier choices and reinforcing curriculum areas related to health and nutrition. This aligns with Ofsted’s interest in health education and its connection to personal development.
Water Conservation and Sustainability
Teaching students about water-saving techniques helps them understand environmental responsibility and introduces concepts of resource management. This supports Ofsted’s recent focus on environmental education.
Pollinator Gardens
By creating pollinator-friendly areas, the club encourages biodiversity on school grounds and provides students with direct insight into ecosystems and pollination, which ties into curriculum goals in both science and geography.
Reducing Food Waste
Gardening helps students understand the effort required to grow food, encouraging greater appreciation and responsibility toward food consumption, which can translate into reduced food waste at home and in school. This practical awareness aligns with Ofsted’s interest in promoting responsible, sustainable practices among students.
Financial Literacy and Budgeting
By managing costs for garden supplies, students can gain budgeting skills, promoting financial literacy. This type of real-world learning is increasingly valued by Ofsted as schools prepare students for life beyond school.
Community Engagement
The potential for selling excess produce could engage students with the community, providing experience in marketing and reinforcing an understanding of the local economy, which also aligns with curriculum goals in business and economics.