Input E · EXTENDED ARTICLE — SCHOOL GARDENS & COMMUNITY

WHEN A SCHOOL GARDEN GREW BEYOND SCIENCE

A Two years ago, Horizon School changed an unused corner of its courtyard into eight raised garden beds. Science teacher Ms Omarova first planned the space so pupils could study plants outdoors, but families soon offered tools, seeds and time, and the project became a wider school activity.

B During lessons, younger pupils measure stems, count insects and record rainfall. Older students test the soil, calculate how much water different beds need and plan which crops can grow beside one another. Both groups keep simple records so they can compare changes from week to week.

C The garden also links the school with its neighbourhood. On Fridays, pupils send part of the harvest to a nearby community kitchen, while families join monthly Saturday work sessions. A retired gardener teaches composting, and several local volunteers say the project gave them their first reason to visit the school.

D There are limits: the garden is too small to supply the kitchen every week, and during dry periods the school must use water carefully. Teachers do not judge the project by the kilograms of vegetables it produces. They say its greatest value is that pupils apply classroom skills to real problems while different generations work together.

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