Children at Haslam Park Primary School have demonstrated a strong commitment to developing their knowledge, skills and understanding of gardening and the natural environment. In June 2023, the school successfully achieved Level 5 of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening Award, recognising the high level of engagement and progression within our school gardening provision. 

Following this achievement, the school has continued to develop and embed gardening opportunities across the curriculum and wider school life. Our gardening club has run successfully throughout the spring and summer terms, providing pupils from a range of year groups with opportunities to develop practical horticultural skills, work collaboratively and take responsibility for caring for plants and growing areas. 

Through these experiences, pupils have successfully grown a range of produce, including potatoes and strawberries, alongside a variety of flowers. These activities have supported pupils in developing an understanding of seasonal change, plant growth and the importance of caring for the natural environment, while also providing valuable opportunities for practical learning and teamwork. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to developing our outdoor learning provision, the school is currently exploring opportunities to establish a community allotment plot within the park adjacent to the school. We are currently in communication with the local allotment community regarding the possibility of taking on a plot. 

If successful, this will provide an exciting opportunity to further extend our gardening provision beyond the school grounds. We aim to develop our existing after-school gardening club to include families and parents, strengthening links with our local community and encouraging families to participate in gardening and outdoor learning together. 

This ongoing development reflects our commitment to providing pupils with meaningful, practical experiences that promote responsibility, teamwork, wellbeing, environmental awareness and a lifelong appreciation of the natural world.