Howbridge Church of England Junior School, based in Witham, has recently started a weekly gardening club which aims to inspire pupils to start growing their own food.
A group of pupils at Howbridge C of E Junior School have been embracing their horticultural side by joining a new lunchtime Gardening Club. Organised by Assistant Headteacher Damon Howlett, the club invites pupils to put their gardening skills to the test by planting, weeding, and pruning in the school playground.
Inspired by Year Six’s World War Two topic, the Garden Club was introduced as a way of teaching the children about rationing and how important it was for Great Britain to grow its own fruits and vegetables during this difficult period. Younger pupils have really enjoyed experiencing something different during their lunch breaks and have been eager to learn more about how to care for vegetable crops and flower beds.
The club will be running all year round and hopes to give the children as many opportunities as possible to grow and harvest a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Already, the group have planted a whole host of bedding plants in the school’s patio area and are working on a new project which will see them grow a raised vegetable garden.
Damon Howlett, Deputy Headteacher at Howbridge Junior School, said: “The children are loving growing their own vegetables. We will be harvesting in the autumn and look forward to enjoying chip butties and salad!”
Grace Wilks, one of Howbridge’s Year 5 pupils, said: “I love it. I got to plant some potatoes and prepare our giant pumpkins to go in. I can’t wait to taste them!”
