Year 5 pupils at Mottram C of E Primary, Manchester, developed an allotment on the school grounds. Their teacher explains how the project developed into something benefitting the whole community.
“Initially we chose sustainability: the importance of growing your own food and the impact it has on the environment. However, as the project developed, it also touched on intergenerational work and the importance of health and wellbeing.
“We campaigned for the support of our school and local community to help build an allotment within the school grounds. To raise awareness, we made posters and invitations to invite people from the local area to come to a presentation afternoon. This was so that we could explain the importance of sustainability and growing your own food for our world’s future.
“The children have taken an active role in the maintenance of the allotment and are co-ordinating the development of it with members of the local community. This has provided opportunities for us to work alongside older and younger generations.
“We have provided an amazing space on the school grounds for the school and local community to enjoy. Every day it is developing – more and more of the community is getting involved. We have educated parents, community members and children across school about the importance of sustainability and growing your own produce. Our aim is to use the produce for curriculum work in science and DT and hopefully start to use the fresh produce in the kitchens for school dinners.
“This will be a lasting legacy for the Year 5s to leave for the many generations of Mottram pupils to come through the doors.”
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