Teach Secondary - Issue 14.6

100 percent 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. Free support to help your students get growing The RHS School Gardening Awards 1 FREE GROWING 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’s gardening journey. You’ll also receive a certificate and digital award logo to help 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% of teachers observed a positive effect on young people’s wellbeing through gardening. Taking part in the Awards will support students 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. As well as learning hand-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 additionally help to build confidence, patience and resilience. 4 SUPPORT THE ENVIRONMENT Through the School Gardening Awards, students will 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 or past (or future) students, or by welcoming community volunteers, gardening can unite people of all ages. Key Points Start your school’s gardening journey today at rhs.org.uk/ schoolgardening/ awards REASONS TO TRY… 30 SECOND BRIEFING This free, five-level awards scheme offers achievable goals to help students experience the many benefits of gardening – from boosting wellbeing and developing new skills, to supporting the environment and forging community links. Fully flexible, the Awards are for all ages, abilities and settings. Contact: schoolgardening@rhs.org.uk Grow your teaching with free eLearning - build confidence, skills, and plant power in your classroom. Start today: rhs.org . uk/schoolgardening/training Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter packed with tips, advice and school case studies at rhs.org.uk/ schoolgardening/signup 5 PA R T N E R C O N T E N T 41 teachwire.net/secondary