Vision

The 9/10 class at Englefeld school has a vision to help create an edible garden that reduces the carbon footprint of our school/community, supports our wildlife populations, provides hands-on learning opportunities for students to work with plants and gain a deeper respect for our environment, and provide nutrition for all of our school members.

Action

Students in the Englefeld 9/10 class joined forces with staff and community members to bring forth a vision to have an outdoor natural playscape for students to enjoy. The natural playscape will include a loose parts playground, an edible garden and an outdoor learning area with places for students to sit and work. The 9/10 class was involved in researching/choosing edible plants suitable for our outdoor area and raising funds for the project. Students engaged in learning involving choosing plants suited to our zone, soil type and needs. They did this through whole class discussions, soil testing, and research. Although we have not been able to plant our trees yet as our snow just melted, students have chosen the trees that will be planted and will be involved in the planting/maintenance as soon as the weather permits. Students in the 9/10 classroom have learned about food waste, reducing our carbon footprint by growing food locally, and about supporting natural habitats and the bee population through planting. Students will also be engaged in learning how to use and preserve the various fruits grown on property during their Practical and Applied Arts classes.