What a month! The GROW at School team was on the move and this week, we visited the fantastic Waterpark Secondary School in Waterford. And honestly? It was a joy.

The students have their raised beds built and were absolutely buzzing to show us the onions and garlic they’ve sown. It’s clear they’re loving the hands-on side of things , asking questions, poking around the soil, and genuinely wanting to understand how things grow. There’s something really lovely about watching a group of teenagers get fully stuck in, learning loads without even realising it, and taking real pride in their space. If this first visit is anything to go by, post-primary is going to be a very special (and very fun) part of the GROW at School journey.

Meanwhile, Mary has been busy connecting in with the primary schools participating in our 12-month focus study. She’s been making return visits to interview our youngest GIYers and see how they’ve progressed in their first year of growing. The data captured during these surveys will play a crucial role in clearly articulating the impact of GROW at School, and we want to thank all the schools who have been so accommodating throughout this process.

More to come and as always, more growing, more learning, and more brilliant young GIYers across the country!