Learning outside the classroom
Allotment Project
Two schools with contrasting populations
paired to work on a year long project. After spending time within
their own schools, exploring Identity and diversity in preparation
for meeting, the two schools then embark on a shared project,
working within the curriculum, meeting and communicating throughout
the year. The curriculum focus can be anything relevant and
acceptable to both schools.
Case
Study - Sustainable Futures
One pair of schools work together on an
allotment project with Bradford Community Environmental Project
(BCEP), as part of a theme on food and sustainability. The schools
use a local allotment as their neutral ground and meet regularly
throughout the year. Working through the seasons they prepare beds
for the crops, plant, prune and harvest. To end their project each
year they use the harvested food to prepare a food festival for the
students and families to come together and celebrate.
Background of Schools
The two schools are located next door to each
other. St Cuthbert’s is a Catholic primary school with a mainly
White British population but with an increasing number of African/
Caribbean, African and Eastern European students and Lister Primary
has a predominantly Muslim population of Pakistani heritage.
Curriculum Areas
The project covered Science – How things grow,
PSHE – Healthy eating and sustainability, Citizenship – Community
Cohesion, Numeracy – weights and measures, D&T – food
preparation.
Successes
The students gain scientific knowledge about
how food grows, how to eat a healthy diet and about developing
sustainable food production. The students also learn cooking skills
including weighing and measuring ingredients. This shared
experience of working together gives the children a sense of pride
in their achievement. What begins as having a shared purpose also
grows into meaningful interaction and friendship.
Challenges
As the project works on a year long rolling
program, it requires commitment from all parties involved.
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