Proud to Be Part of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening

At our school, gardening is much more than an outdoor activity it is a key part of our learning, wellbeing and connection to the world around us. We are proud participants in the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, a national programme that inspires schools to grow, learn and thrive through gardening.

Through this initiative, children develop valuable life skills such as teamwork, problem‑solving, creativity and resilience. 

Our RHS School Gardening Award Journey

We are delighted to have achieved Levels 1–4 of the RHS School Gardening Awards and are currently working towards Level 5, the highest level of recognition.

Below is an overview of what we have achieved so far, based on the RHS criteria.

🌼 Level 1 – Getting Started

To gain Level 1, we demonstrated that:

• We understand the benefits of gardening, including how it supports learning, wellbeing and responsibility.
• Our growing space is accessible to everyone, using features such as raised pots and visual supports (pictures and symbols).
• We have started gardening, planting and exploring our outdoor environment together.

🌿 Level 2 – Growing Skills and Ideas

At Level 2, we demonstrated that:

• Everyone contributes to our gardening plans, involving children, young people and staff in sharing ideas and decisions.
• We are learning new gardening skills, from seed sowing to watering, weeding and plant care.
• We use gardening to support our wellbeing, offering calming, sensory and meaningful outdoor experiences.

🌸 Level 3 – Deepening Knowledge

To achieve Level 3, we demonstrated that:

• We grow and can name a range of plants, including flowers, herbs and vegetables.
• We keep our plants healthy, understanding what plants need to thrive and how to care for them.
• We are planet‑friendly gardeners, taking steps to garden sustainably and care for the environment.

🐞 Level 4 – Gardening in the Wider World

At Level 4, we demonstrated that:

• Our gardening supports wildlife, by creating habitats, providing food sources and encouraging biodiversity.
• We use gardening to support the curriculum, linking our growing activities to subjects like science, art, maths and wellbeing.
• We share our plants or seeds with others, extending our garden into the wider community and building connections.

Working Towards Level 5

We are now proudly working towards Level 5, which focuses on making gardening sustainable, inclusive and community‑led. To meet the Level 5 criteria,  we have launched a joint gardening club for our Year 2 pupils in partnership with Year 3 pupils at Kennington Academy.
This provides authentic, hands‑on gardening with people outside our own school community an essential requirement for Level 5.

This collaboration also supports transition, helping Year 2 children build confidence and relationships before moving to Kennington Academy in September 2026.