Gardening in schools, while not specifically part of the curriculum, supports the achievement of various aspects of Northern Ireland's statutory curriculum (www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/statutory-curriculum), including areas of learning such as "the world around us", and skills such as creativity, working with others, self-management, thinking, problem-solving and decision making.  Dr Larry Dossey writes: “The importance of gardening...is written into our physiology...We know that children who are exposed to dirt in the formative years develop healthier, stronger immune systems when compared to children whose parents keep them squeaky clean, and they have a lower incidence of asthma, eczema and allergies later in life. Exposure to dirt in childhood promotes good health.” ("Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening", Fran Sorin, Braided Worlds Publishing, 2016) 

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Specialising in school gardens, HartyCulture recognises, focuses on and facilitates this.  With experience in well over 100 academic institutions throughout the province, our systems are designed around the requirements and practicalities of the academic and horticultural years.  When working with schools, we involve pupils wherever we can, helping the kids to develop an understanding of the world around them, and an appreciation of where fresh food comes from.

We can help you to achieve the Royal Horticultural Society School Gardening Awards (each successfully completed level is awarded with a certificate and brilliant reward worth up to £200!  See https://schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/school-gardening-awards), or the Woodland Trust's Green Tree School award - over 7000 schools are already taking part (see www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/get-involved/schools/green-tree-school-award/ for more details).  Whatever you want to do, please get in touch to see how we can help you do it.  

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Have a look at this great website for some excellent ideas on funding options: 

www.gardeningwithchildren.co.uk/school-zone/funding-guide/ 

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