| Without exception, every Hubster has contributed to the Hub garden and we are delighted with how beautiful it looks. Even the hardest to reach Hubsters, who aren’t quite ready for much academic work are very happy and take pride in helping with the garden. Even watering is gardening, it brings connection to the garden and to each plant, teaching the pupils about horticulture at its basic level. We place a huge emphasis on gardening, due to the many benefits it can bring. It connects us to the natural world spiritually and emotionally and sometimes the simplest things in gardens can reach the deepest into us.
Evidence suggests that just simply looking at green spaces can reduce heart rate and blood pressure and stress levels. We know that the garden is already giving the Hubsters the opportunity to connect with each other and to bond with a shared purpose. It is increasing their intake of vitamin D, is another form of exercise and is teaching them new skills.
Gardening is brilliant for improving mental health by providing a sense of achievement, self esteem building, even increasing attention span. Not to mention the more academic outcomes such as measuring, maths, improving vocabulary and most obviously, there is the science aspect too.
We are also very excited to mention that we will be adding to our qualification prospectus and will be offering a qualification in horticulture very soon. |
