A special visit to our School Gardening Team of the Year (Secondary) 2023
TV presenter, author and horticulturalist Frances Tophill recently visited Sandhill View Academy in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear to present them with their award.
29 June 2023
Frances Tophill, TV presenter, horticulturalist and long-time supporter of the RHS School Gardeners of the Year competition, recently took a trip to Sandhill View Academy to visit the school’s eco team, who are winners of this year’s RHS School Gardening Team of the Year (Secondary).
The visit was part of the school’s prize for winning the award, which is presented to a team of children who are dedicated and passionate about gardening and display endless enthusiasm and hard work. Come along with us as we relive our trip to this inspiring school, you never know, it might give you some fresh ideas of things to try at your education setting.
A place to relax
The day of the visit kicked off with a breakfast event where the children had the chance to chat to Frances and headteacher Jill Dodd about their achievements in the garden. An assembly for year 7 pupils followed. Frances presented Year 8 student, and founding member of the eco team, Mackenzie with the team’s certificate and £500 worth of National Gardening Gift vouchers. In September, the school will also take receipt of a patio glasshouse kindly donated by Hartley Botanic.
“The eco team is important to me. When I’m stressing about school it helps me relax and get a piece of nature.”
- Mackenzie, Year 8 student
Geography teacher Aidan Hodgson, who nominated the team for the award and is the school’s Outdoor Learning Curriculum Lead, then guided pupils, staff and visitors to the new Forest School.
Lots of opportunities for outdoor learning
At the end of last year, Humanities Faculty Leader, Kay Parker, came to her headteacher with a seed of an idea for an old badminton court. From there Aidan Hodgson joined forces to put the plan into action and alongside staff and students they have transformed the courts, which had fallen into disrepair, into two outdoor classrooms. Lots of opportunities for outdoor learning across the curriculum are planned such as first aid, cooking, fieldwork, biodiversity and art, with years 7 to 9 timetabled to spend one hour every fortnight in the outdoor classrooms. This tranquil space also incorporates trees and a pond that attracts ducks and grey heron and offers a calm environment for learning.
“There’s a lot of awareness now about what gardening and nature awareness can bring. School is stressful. The fact that you’re creating this space is giving you an idea that no matter what life brings going out into nature can bring you calmness and joy.”
- Frances Tophill, who officially opened the space
A tour of the school garden and allotment followed with pupils proudly showing off a mixture of fruit and vegetables in eight beds, a 70-tree orchard including a variety of edible fruit trees, and a 30-foot polytunnel, built by Year 10 pupils as part of their work experience. Frances helped students plant out some cabbages and purple sprouting broccoli while other children plaited garlic ready to dry and store.
Respect and patience
Aidan Hodgson, Outdoor Learning Curriculum Lead, explained that their garden has gone from strength to strength. The team have respect for it and enjoy spending time there. Only two students had previous gardening experience which makes what they’ve achieved in 18 months even more special. They’re constantly learning and always keen to get stuck in and put forward their ideas. Being out there holds their attention and interest. They learn to try new things, be patient and understand that not everything works and that's ok. Some of the students are now growing at home and inspiring their families.
“Winning the RHS award has been a fantastic experience for the whole school. We’ve already had an increase in the children who want to get involved. Frances coming to meet us and garden with us is a real highlight!”
- Aidan Hodgson, Outdoor Learning Curriculum Lead
Aidan’s top money-saving school gardening tips
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1. Sign up to seed catalogues to receive discounts and offers.
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2. Wait for end-of-season sales to buy seeds which are usually at discounted cost.
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3. Plan ahead – avoid planting plants that are not suited to your area or might be left long periods of time over holidays which may perish as this is a costly waste.
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4. Get in touch with your local community gardening/allotment groups – they might have spare plants, cuttings or seeds that they can share.
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5. Engage staff and students from across the school to help – ask for unused items such as plant pots or old tools as often these are left unused in someone's garage or shed.
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6. Engage the school community – open days are a way to encourage engagement and sell plants. This money can then be used within the school garden. Staff are often very supportive!
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7. Speak to local landscaping companies/garden centres – often they are very willing to support local schools.
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A no-pressure zone
Charlie from Year 9 likes that it's a stress-free environment with no pressure. He mentioned that school is stressful but with gardening there is a nice easy pace, and it helps you to be yourself and supports your mental health. Charlie feels proud that the students have turned barren land into an amazing garden, and that they've won this prestigious award for their school.
Lucy from Year 9 likes taking produce home and making things from it. She loves cooking and used rhubarb from the garden to make a crumble.
This year’s judging panel, which included Frances, were impressed with the range of young people that use the school garden and the high levels of engagement from the children. They also liked the idea that the garden was a ‘no-pressure zone’ where students can be free and just appreciate the space.
Nurturing, inclusive environments
Upon visiting, Frances Tophill commented that the school is a great model for how to create a successful garden: active support from the Senior Leadership Team; collaboration across the school community and engaged and interested staff and students. She could feel the real sense of pride and ownership.
“In a short amount of time, they’ve created nurturing, inclusive environments that give the children a safe space as well as a background in nature and sustainability.”
- Frances Tophill
Jill Dodd, Headteacher at Sandhill, said she is unbelievably proud of the eco team, Mr Hodgson and students from The Bridge, their alternative provision. Staff and students are curious and interested, and that can only be a good thing. They are already seeing the positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, behaviour and attitudes to learning.
“Post-pandemic I felt like we’d lost a bit of our spark. The creation of these outdoor spaces has been super for everyone.”
- Jill Dodd, Headteacher
The RHS School Gardeners of the Year competition will return in 2024 so if you have a dedicated staff member or volunteer, or a passionate gardening club or eco team, try nominating them for one of our awards.
For more photos and videos take a look at our Instagram highlights.
