Growing With Schools (Coventry)
“Teachers’ lack of knowledge and confidence in the field of horticulture means that they need the support of a specialist to make the best use of their school grounds.” (Growing Schools Evaluation, CEE/Bath University, 2003)
Awareness and support for hands-on growing activities in schools are increasing. Numerous resource and information packs are now available, but what staff in many schools need is personalised support from knowledgeable individuals.
The ‘Growing With Schools’ hub project was set up to do just this for schools in Coventry. It is funded by The JJ Charitable Trust and the Mark Leonard Trust and managed by the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens. Coventry Education Business Partnership and Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School and Language College are the other partners.
News Update:
Event: Growing with Schools event
Date: 19th March 2012, 12– 3 pm
Venue: Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School and Language College, Potters Green Road, Coventry, CV2 2AJ
Growing with Schools is launching a new membership service this spring, building on the success of the pilot project of the last four years. The event is aimed at head teachers, senior management, policymakers and like-minded organisations.
It will feature a keynote address by Sean O’Donovan MBE, former Assistant Head at Cardinal Wiseman, national winner of the DfE Award for Sustainable Schools, 2009.
There will be an informal lunch, an explanation of Growing with Schools services, interactive displays by Coventry schools at both primary and secondary levels and a chance to tour Cardinal Wiseman’s inspirational campus. This event will enable interested parties to exchange knowledge and discuss the challenges particular to food growing in schools as well as its effect on attendance, academic perfor-mance and behaviour.
Find out more about the new, in depth report by the Food Growing in Schools Taskforce. Whether your school has an established garden club or it’s a possibility for the future, the Launch will answer all your questions and give you the chance to sign up for membership.
To find out more, please contact Keeley Thomas: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel. 07908 912 357
Other Updates:
Growing With Schools has published its own 
GWS Manifesto.
Growing With Schools project now has its own group on Facebook.
Green-fingered children in Coventry showcased their growing skills at an event to celebrate the results so far of the Growing With Schools project. For more details and images, visit the GwS Celebration page.
Download the latest copy of our newsletter using the following link: GwS Winter newsletter 2011
Information Resources: A series of downloadable PDF documents giving useful tips and advice for school-based growers.
GwS Info Sheet - Weekend Watering
GwS sowing-harvesting calculator
Case Studies: Inspiring case studies of schools which have benefitted from the Growing With Schools project.
GWS Case Study - Frederick Bird School
Other Publications:
GWS Booklet - documents the development of this work based on the experience at Cardinal Wiseman. Written specifically for other schools and local authorities that might be interested in working in this way: GWS - Booklet
GWS Leaflet: An introductory leaflet giving details about the project: GWS - Leaflet
GWS Interactive Calendars: GWS - Calendar Flyer
Growing With Schools Contacts:
Keeley Thomas, Development Worker
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Growing With Schools
Room 16
Koco Building
The Arches
Spon End
Coventry CV1 3JQ
Tel: 02476 675 211
