Teach Primary Issue 19.6

Free support to help your pupils get growing The RHS School GardeningAwards 1 GET FREE RESOURCES As you complete each of the five School Gardening Award levels, you will receive free resources, including seeds, books and National Garden Gift Vouchers, to help you continue your school gardening journey. You’ll also receive a certificate and digital award logo to share your achievements. 2 BOOST WELLBEING Connecting with plants and nature has a powerful impact on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. A recent RHS report found that 96 percent of teachers observed a positive effect on young people’s wellbeing through gardening. Taking part in the awards will support pupils to connect with others and feel more in tune with the natural world. Schools tell us that they see a real difference as children smile, breathe and relax when they are in the garden spaces. 3 DEVELOP SKILLS The awards are designed to build and grow a wide range of skills that young people can carry into their lives beyond school. As well as learning hands-on gardening skills such as sowing seeds, nurturing seedlings, and taking cuttings, they will also develop teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Gardening can also help build confidence, patience, and resilience. 4 SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENT Through the School Gardening Awards, pupils can learn how small, simple actions can help protect the planet. From collecting rainwater and growing food, to creating habitats for wildlife, with schools transforming grey spaces by growing plants that will flower, fruit and seed through the year. The award criteria will help empower young people to take environmental action, no matter the size of your school’s growing space. 5 CULTIVATE COMMUNITY LINKS The final award level includes a focus on building connections beyond the school gates. Whether it’s gardening with family members, past or future pupils or welcoming community volunteers, gardening can unite people of all ages. KEY POINTS Give your pupils the chance to develop green fingers and learn new skills while enjoying the great outdoors; start your school’s gardening journey today at rhs.org.uk/ schoolgardening/awards 100 per cent of schools that have taken part in previous years stated in a recent survey (July 2025), that they would recommend the awards to other schools. Grow your teaching with free eLearning - build confidence, skills, and plant power in your classroom. Start today: rhs.org.uk/ schoolgardening/training Find out more about the RHS School Gardening Awards, and sign up to receive our monthly newsletter packed with tips, advice and school case studies at rhs.org.uk/ schoolgardening/signup REASONS TO TRY… 5 30 SECOND BRIEFING This free, five-level, flexible awards scheme offers achievable goals to help pupils of all ages experience benefits of gardening – from boosting wellbeing and gaining new skills, to supporting the environment and forging community links. Contact: Email: schoolgardening@rhs.org.uk PARTNER CONT ENT www.teachwire.net | 45