• Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future
  • Slideshow - The core values of Downend School are simple; they are focused on a sense of belonging, a belief that all students have it within themselves to be effective learners and that we can extend this learning beyond the reach of school and into the future

The Allotment Project

Press Release 2009

allotment

The Downend School Gardening Club were thrilled to have a visit from Mrs D Goodenough, the Prince of Wales’s  Head Gardener on Thursday 11 June.  The gardener walked around the school allotment and greenhouse and was very impressed with what she saw; runner, broad & french beans, shallots, garlic, herbs, potatoes, courgettes, melon, lettuce, cabbage, purple sprouting, kale, strawberries and raspberries.  A  Jenner vine (grape) donated by Mrs Tanner, which has yet to be planted, will be put in a raised bed near the staffroom.

The gardener, Mrs Goodenough, the Prince of Wales’ Head Gardener from Highgrove House near Tetbury gave the Gardening Club some plants to be used in the school garden.  She kindly answered questions from the girls and also quizzed them about sitings for plants etc.

After some refreshment and yet more questions Mrs Goodenough left after some 2½ hours at school.

The Gardening Club would also like to take this opportunity to thank the PTA for their kind donations and also parents who have sent in supermarket vouchers.  The PTA have paid for the greenhouse, raised beds and other sundry goods.  The vouchers were used to get folding wheelbarrows, a cold frame and other tools.

‘The Beginnings’

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The inspiration for this project was a current Year 10 student following a visit to the Head Gardener at Highgrove House - the country home of the Prince of Wales at Tetbury.  Following this visit, the student, then in Year 8, had the idea that the School should start an allotment. With the agreement of the Head and support of Mrs Honor Taylor the project began with four Year 8 boys.  The area of land was initially rather small and next to the Staff Room.  The ‘Garden Lads’ (all volunteers) spent time preparing the area and planting up with winter vegetables. The P.T.A. and the School funded a greenhouse and Bristol Water provided water butts.  Compost bins were provided free of charge  by SITA.  Other individuals made donations of tools, plants, pots and seeds (this has continued).

The link with Highgrove Estate has proved inspiring for the students and the School has been supporting the Prince’s Trust and the Norton Down Africa Project - through sales of plants and raffling produce raising, to date, nearly £300.  This has been a theme running through the whole project. We also belong to the Royal Horticultural Society. We received trees and plants from the Woodland Trust and Soil Association during the autumn term 2006. 

allotment

‘Moving On’

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The School received seeds from the ‘Heritage Collection’. These were sown and also spread amongst willing staff gardeners to ensure that there would be a good supply of seed for following years.This has continued and a new set of 'Heritage Collection' planted this year. We have shared seeds with as many people as possible to help preserve the old varieties.

The Eden Project

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We are very fortunate to be linked with the world famous Eden Project at Boldeva in Cornwall.  Many of our students and staff have visited the site when on holiday in Cornwall so when the opportunity arose to join the Education Network there was no hesitation.  This has proved inspiring for our students.  We are now part of the ‘Gardens for Life’ scheme.  It is a terrific source for ideas and shows us the activities in other schools across the United Kingdom and the World.  For example we grow our own garden canes and have started growing willow - to create a sculpture but also to produce material to create our own plant supports.  Next year we hope to start up an area growing a range of food plants with connections to different cultures.  This is all part of developing garden-based global citizenship education.  In the longer term there are no boundaries to what can be achieved.

‘More Land’

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Following the retirement of Len Rake (the caretaker) the group were given responsibility for the garden area he created. During 2006 - 2007 they produced hanging baskets, pruned and generally maintained the area. The former barbeque area has been changed into a vegetable patch. The ‘cupboard’ under the steps is being transformed into a garden shed - for safe storage of tools and other equipment.

‘New Recruits’

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As the project is developing new recruits were needed as the main workers have now begun their G.C.S.E. courses. Five volunteers - 4 girls and 1 boy - have joined the group - from Years 7/8/9. All have experience from their primary schools - so were very welcome.

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‘Plans for 2007 – 2008’

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Early in the autumn term a meeting was held to plan for this academic year:

  • Growing plan - seeds and plants have been selected
  • Winter vegetables have been planted
  • The land has been prepared for this year
  • It was agreed that we now offer help to our partner primary schools to strengthen our links and encourage the use of school land for ‘growing purposes’. This has come from the students.
  • We shall continue to raise money for the school in Africa
  • We shall continue to raise money for the Prince’s Trust

The Future

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This is a project that has captured the imagination and interest of many people. The students have total control of their activities and the amount of time they spend working the area. We continue to have the support of the P.T.A. and staff members. The students are acquiring ‘life-long’ skills and a genuine enthusiasm for ‘growing and eating their crops’. We are aiming to make the project self sustaining - growing and using our own ‘bamboo’ for example. In March 2008 we planted ‘willow whips’ in the garden area - the intention is that the Art Department will create a living sculpture and the students will use the ‘spare’ willow to make plant supports and covers.

allotment

The Photographs

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These give a pictorial history of the project - from the first ‘dig’ to the planting of the willow. The winners of the vegetable raffles to the students harvesting their first crop are shown. This year should see a bumper harvest with many new crops being grown. The photographs will continue to be updated as the year progresses.


  • The Allotment Project
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