Growing Together 2010
YOUNG GREEN FINGERS WIN GOLD
Gold medals have been awarded to eighteen schools in the North East for their gardening enterprises this summer.
They were taking part in a new initiative by Northumbria in Bloom called "Growing Together" which recognises excellence in school horticulture.
"The "Growing Together" initiative came about", said Eileen Burn, chairman of Northumbria in Bloom "because our judges of the main competition were finding that when they visited schools as part of their judging tours the children would keep them there for ages, wanting to show them all they were doing. As the judges always enjoyed these visits we decided to extend the length of time they could inspect each school, giving greater encouragement to young gardeners and their teachers. "Growing Together" has developed into an inclusive campaign for all schools in the northeast."
The judges awarded marks for the maintenance and quality of the flowers, trees, fruit and vegetables the children grow, their understanding of plants and the environment and the use of horticulture in the general school curriculum.
Forty five schools took part this year, and all received medal certificates according to their achievements. Two outstanding schools were awarded the following trophies:
THE ROD LEYBURN MEMORIAL TROPHY for the highest educational benefit went to Stocksfield Avenue Primary School, Newcastle upon Tyne. THE LAND OF THE PRINCE BISHOPS TROPHY for the highest overall points went to Bankfields Primary School, Eston in Middlesbrough.
The judges said "Stocksfield Avenue Primary school epitomizes the educational spirit of the Growing Together initiative. The gardens are integral to every part of the school curriculum and the children know what they are doing and why".
Bankfields Primary School in Eston impressed the judges as the most outstanding overall entry. Gardening was brought into all aspects of school life including art, drama, music, cookery and healthy living and also involved the local community.
"We are delighted to see how much school gardening contributes to the development of young pupils" said Mrs Burn. "We have met some inspirational teachers and volunteers and many wonderfully enthusiastic children. It's heartening to see how children are being encouraged from an early age to think about living in a sustainable way. They are learning also to grow their own food and live a healthy lifestyle. Many told us their families and communities were benefiting too from what they are doing at school. These children are the next generation of gardeners, and it is important to give them as much practical experience and encouragement as possible."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
GROWING TOGETHER
"Growing Together" is a new Northumbria in Bloom initiative for schools. Many schools now recognise the value of using horticulture to help them meet the government's EVERY CHILD MATTERS outcomes.
The schools are judged in June and are awarded gold, silver-gilt, silver, or bronze medal certificates according to their level of achievement.
Two trophies are awarded and will be handed over at the Northumbria in Bloom Presentations on September 13th in Stockton. (More details to follow). They are
THE LAND OF THE PRINCE BISHOPS' TROPHY for Best Overall Entry
awarded this year to BANKSFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL, ESTON
and
THE ROD LEYBURN MEMORIAL TROPHY for the entry illustrating the Best Educational Value of Horticulture, awarded this year to STOCKSFIELD AVENUE PRIMARY SCHOOL, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE.
NORTHUMBRIA IN BLOOM
Northumbria in Bloom is the voluntary organisation that administers the Britain in Bloom competition in Northumberland, Durham, Tyne and Wear and Teesside.
Britain in Bloom is one of the most effective and longest running, environmental competitions in the UK and each year it grows in size and importance and involves more people, groups and organisations within the community.
The show of flowers and shrubs in our communities, the reclamation and landscaping of marginal and derelict land, the enhancement of our towns and pride in our villages is the aim and indeed the success of the competition.
The three core pillars of Britain in Bloom are:
Horticultural Achievement (50% of marks)Environmental Responsibility (25% of marks)Community Participation (25% of marks)
Small and large villages, towns and cities in the region are judged in both Spring and Summer.
Special awards are also made for conservation projects, business parks, hospitals, parks, etc. The competition contributes to the regeneration of our towns and cities and helps to provide an attractive environment for both visitors and the local community.
For further information visit www.northumbriainbloom.co.uk
or contact David Goodchild on 01661 823145 or Eileen Burn on 07532 427740
