OVO Foundation Nature Prize
Schools can win the cash to implement a community nature project. Schools from disadvantaged areas with high pupil premium are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applications opening 30 Novmeber 2023.
Djanogly Sherwood Academy, Nottingham
Students find new ways to grow their own
Students at this urban primary school in Nottingham came up with the idea to install a hydroponic growing system in the playground so they could grow their own food. With no green space on the school site, they researched the possibilities of growing produce without soil.
The project was completely led by students who are always encouraged to think of ways to make their school more environmentally friendly. From coming up with the initial idea, to making their application video, to growing the produce, students have been involved at every turn.
“The children were really excited about how they could apply – they wanted to do a video and all of them wanted to be in that video. They were so enthusiastic about the whole process and, though they didn’t think they would win, they were really excited thinking about what could happen.”
Mr Brothwood, Assistant Head
Through their own research, students found HydroVeg, a local business that not only builds the kits out of recycled materials but offers educational packs and classroom sessions to help students learn about growing and nutrition.
A celebratory installation day was organised where students met with Hydro-Veg Kits’ founder and were taught how to use and look after the kits, alongside other activities that included making art with recycled materials.
Students from both the school’s eco and well-being groups are in charge of maintaining the veg kits as well as deciding what seasonal food to grow. Once the produce is ready to be harvested, the students plan to give it out to families in need, ensuring access to healthy food across the school community.
The HydroVeg Kits have also been embedded into the school’s curriculum; all students have the chance to monitor the vegetable growth as part of their science lessons. Students are also in charge of researching seasonable growing and are responsible for deciding what will be grown next.
As a school that tries to live its environmental values, they have been taking actions to make their school even more environmentally friendly. To cut down on food waste, they have negotiated with the local council to ensure all food waste is collected from the school. They have also limited their plastic and paper use and are working hard to embed sustainability into all aspects of the curriculum.
Djanogly’s message for other urban schools looking to grow their own food is don’t let lack of a green space stop you. Involving students in thinking of creating ways around the problem and giving them responsibilities as the project progresses keeps them enthusiastic and ensures the project lasts.
“It involves so many children and it fits perfectly with the national curriculum, so I think any school could do this. You don’t need soil, the kit stands up by itself, it just plugs in. It’s a very easy thing to install in any school.”
Mr Brothwood, Assistant Head
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