Minister for Schools and Learning and Mayor Unveil London School’s ‘Green-Zone’

Posted: 17 November 2008

The Under-Secretary of State for Schools and Learners- Sarah McCarthy-Fry MP and the Mayor of Newham (Sir Robin Wales) were among the special guests visiting Lathom Junior School last week for the unveiling of the school’s new ‘Green Zone’. The new ‘greener’ grounds has been developed by pupils, staff, parents and the local community to change the school’s drab tarmac space into an area that will enable  the children to enjoy nature, grow their own food and learn more about the environment.

The celebration of the new ‘Green Zone’ marked the opening of the school’s new garden, trees, flower beds, recycling zone and an area for the children to grow their own vegetables, herbs and fruit. The zone has also inspired the pupils to form a gardening club.

The transformation within the grounds is thanks to the John Laing School Grounds Awards run in partnership with national school grounds charity Learning through Landscapes.

To celebrate the unveiling the children launched seed rockets, planted garlic cloves and dressed the trees with their messages of hope for the new green grounds.

Sarah McCarthy Fry commented on the day, “Gardening, growing vegetables and getting your hands dirty is a fantastic way to bring lessons to life. Learning outside the classroom is not some optional extra. It should excite young people, deepen their understanding of classroom subjects and is vital for young people to become independent, confident and motivated.”

To read the full article visit: http://www.ltl.org.uk/news.htm?t=1&item=228