Allotment

The New Rush Hall School allotment is a unique and much-valued part of our school environment. It provides pupils with a rich outdoor learning space where they can develop practical skills, connect with nature and experience the benefits that being outdoors can have on their wellbeing.

The allotment is both a place for learning and a calm space where pupils can step away from the classroom, regulate, reflect and enjoy the natural environment.

Growing, Learning and Sustainability

Pupils experience the full journey of growing food, from sowing seeds and caring for plants through to harvesting produce and, where possible, using what they have grown within Food Technology.

Through practical horticulture, pupils learn about plant growth, food production and sustainability. They develop skills including propagation, seed collection, crop rotation, composting, rainwater collection and recycling, while learning about environmentally responsible approaches to growing and pest control.

These experiences develop much more than horticultural knowledge. Caring for plants over time requires patience, responsibility and perseverance and gives pupils the satisfaction of seeing the results of their own work.

Exploring the Natural World

Our allotment includes a polytunnel, cut-flower area, wildlife garden and pond, woodland, orchard and soft-fruit growing areas. Wildflower borders and mature hedging provide habitats for a wide variety of insects, birds and other wildlife.

These spaces give pupils opportunities to explore biodiversity, habitats, ecosystems, pollination and the biology of plants through first-hand experience. Pupils also take part each year in the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch, contributing to a national wildlife survey.

Garden Club

Our daily Garden Club gives pupils the opportunity to choose how they engage with the space. Activities can include gardening and plant care, bird and butterfly watching, pond exploration, identifying plants and insects, drawing and reading – or simply spending some quiet time outdoors.

Pupils can also help grow surplus plants for sale, learning about preparing products, raising funds and deciding how money can be reinvested into seeds, plants and future Garden Club activities.

A Space for Everyone

For some pupils, the allotment becomes a place to discover an interest or practical skill. For others, it provides a peaceful environment in which they feel comfortable and regulated. For many, it is both.

Through our allotment, we want pupils to develop curiosity about the natural world, understand the importance of sustainability and experience the confidence and pride that comes from growing, creating and caring for something themselves.

We are extremely proud of this special part of NRHS and the opportunities it provides for our pupils.