Curriculum by Nature
Last week two ATU school support gardeners, Linda and Wendy visited Vernham Dean Primary school to work with a class as part of the Wildflower: Sow. Grow. Plant. project.
The children sowed Lady’s Bedstraw, Birdsfoot Trefoil and Ox-eye Daisy - these are all wildflowers that thrive in calcareous (chalky) grassland, such as that found locally and of course in Harmony Woods.
The activity supported science teaching on the topic of seeds, what seeds need to grow and the life-cycle of a flower however the discussion was extended to wildlife, birds and habitats.
One tray of each seed type was left in the school and one tray of each was taken by the ATU team - whose will germinate 1st?! The children will need to apply their numeracy skills to measure growth and record results!
The gardening team will return later in the season to help children prick out the seedlings, which means transplanting them into individual cells (small ‘pots’). The reason we do this is to help the plant move on from 'seed' stage to 'growing on' stage, where it will require more space for the roots to grow.
There are many ways Andover Trees United can approach growing and gardening in schools (or at Harmony Wood) to support the curriculum for all year groups.
“It was a great afternoon planting with the children, they were able to link it to their most recent science work and were proud to show off all their new vocabulary. We also took pictures of each stage which we have used in our English work to write detailed instructions about how to plant wildflower seeds.” - Claire Neale, Class Teacher, Class Teacher, Vernham Dean Gillum’s CoE Primary School.
If you are a teacher who would like support for your outdoor learning please get in touch to discuss how we can work with you.
We would also love to expand the gardening support team so if you are a gardener (experienced or novice) please get in touch with volunteers@andovertrees.org.uk
Covid guidelines will be adhered to at all times and all gardeners are subject to DBS checks in advance.