Gillespie Primary School, Islington, London
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What did they do? Gillespie Primary School has transformed the nursery and reception class section of its playground into a kitchen garden. The school has also built a raised play and learning platform to provide children with an outdoor learning space.
What are the children growing? The garden is being used to grow a range of fruit and vegetables, including potatoes, radishes, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, raspberries and herbs.
How is the learning platform used? Children can walk easily from their classrooms on to the platform, so teachers are now incorporating the outdoor environment into lessons.
Does anyone else benefit? The garden and platform are also being used outside school hours by the school's gardening club. The club allows children and parents to maintain the garden.
Who funded it? Arsenal Football Club provided £30,000 to transform the playground as part of its commitment to funding community projects.
What do the children think? Mark Owen, head teacher at Gillespie, says the new play area and garden has benefited pupils. He says: "Their learning through play is more creative and we are hopefully sowing the seeds for a new generation of gardeners."
