GROW at School is a garden-based learning programme forprimary schools, where we enable students to develop a deeper connection with their food through growing.
"The programme sparked an interest in food growing among our pupils that helped make our school garden the success that it is... Most importantly, this programme has sown the seed of a positive attitude towards healthy eating at a young age."
Jarlath Conboy | Principal, St Patrick’s School
Co. Galway, Ireland
WE SUPPORT TEACHERS IN LEARNING TO GROW CONFIDENTLY
Our educational content has been designed collaboratively by teachers and growers to help achieve meaningful and measurable outcomes.
From sowing the first seed to reaping the final harvest, our monthly newsletters and fully accredited CPD webinars provide regular and consistent support to educators ensuring they are supported every step, every season of the school growing year.
HANDS-ON GROWING
With fun and engaging hands-on growing activities we help students gain an understanding of where food comes from, fostering what we call ‘food empathy’ as well as healthier, more sustainable food behaviours and choices.
Every learner, from junior infants to graduating 6th class can get their hands into GROW at School. With differentiated formal lesson plans and many incidental tips and tricks through the school year, our educator resource hub meets all needs on the growing journey.
WE PROVIDE THE TOOLS AND THE SUPPORT
Through raised beds, compost, seeds and learning materials we make it as easy as possible for schools to create and manage their garden. Further supported with in-person engagement and support throughout the school year, this helps create a lasting impact that will influence generations of students.
Schools with limited to no green space have been able to grow using our raised beds. We believe every child, in every school should have the right to access growing space, this is why our kit has been carefully designed by our Head Grower with tight spaces in mind.
We have supported 700 schools reaching 100,000 students and teachers since we began this programme. But we want to support more.
Funding support is vital to the success and expansion of the GROW at School program, enabling us to reach more children across rural and urban schools with this transformative experience.
Every contribution directly supports our mission to inspire healthier, more sustainable lifestyles and to empower the next generation with a deeper understanding of the natural world.
If you or your organisation would like to find out more about supporting this vital programme, and help shape a happier, healthier future for our children, contact ellen@giy.ie.
If you are a teacher and would like to take part in GROW at School and get a school garden kit for your school, please click below to express your interest in joining the GROW at School programme. Please have your Roll ID number ready.
