What is the Learning Garden?
A Learning Garden is a dynamic outdoor classroom and school farm that aims to facilitate the growth and development of teachers, students and eventually, the extended community by cultivating a new culture around learning, teaching and growing.The programme is dynamic and takes place in a hands-on setting to integrate a range of disciplines, from science and maths to environmental studies, health and nutrition.
This interdisciplinary approach not only helps students enhance their academic engagement and achievement but also cultivates their skills and deepens their understanding of how food impacts our health and the planet. The programme also offers the opportunity to build strong communities around food by bringing together students, educators, families and members of the local community.
Through the Learning Garden, we provide teachers with the “train the trainer” programme, and equip schools and empower teachers with the confidence to execute, adapt and develop the Learning Garden programme based on their unique needs.If you are interested in a Learning Garden Programme for your school, please write to us here.
Benefits
Increase academic engagement & achievement
Improve children’s food choices & inspire healthy lifestyles
Develop students 21st century skills - from critical thinking to communication or leadership
Deepen students connection and understanding of nature
Provide a unique opportunity to engage parents and the school community at large
Foster environmental awareness and stewardship
Programme Structure
Our Learning Garden package guides and supports teachers to confidently integrate, adapt and execute the programme as per their class’s and school’s unique objectives. We also understand that learning, for all those involved, is a process, so extensive resources and expert support are available throughout the academic year.
This is what you will get with the package:
Big Ideas Curriculum
Our Big Ideas Curriculum covers five key aspects of food, ranging from culture and traditions, food and nutrition, food waste, food systems and food technology, each coming with its complete project, lesson plans and assessment guidelines.
Operational Frameworks
We understand that implementation is key to success and longevity of the programme within the school, and hence, we do not stop at the curriculum. To integrate the programme seamlessly into your school, we include a full implementation plan that includes teacher training, school gardens’ operating models as well as a methodology to scale up the learning across the school cohort.
Resource Bank
Enrich your students’ learning through resources, materials to maintain the school farm and engage your students.
How You Will Be Supported:
The Learning Garden Programme comprises the following elements, aimed at providing schools and students with an all-rounded farm-to-fork food education journey and experience.