Horticulture; Taught in LCA and Transition Years
Aim; To provide an educational opportunity to experience various aspects of the horticulture discipline through both a theory-based, and a practical “Hands-on” approach. This module is taught along Organic and Permaculture Principles. Therefore the material presented is concerned with issues such as sustainability, food security, and self-resilliance, - and very much takes all environmental issues into account. We strive to teach students how to produce food locally and in season, while caring for the Earth.
Resources; We are very privileged to have a poly-tunnel at our disposal. The class-room is used quite a bit when the weather is inclement, and to do the introductory lessons. Our selection of tools are simple but effective. There is a concerted effort to keep costs to a minimum, and to demonstrate in a practical way how to re-use and recycle in the garden (e.g. using containers from canteen for seed-trays etc., using old pallets to make compost –bins etc.)
Our community aspect: involves the classes visiting the nearby assisted-living facility, Laurel Hill Place,- and helping with flower-beds, window-boxes etc. We also help with planting for Tidy-towns, along with the annual “litter-pick” along the approaches to the town, and around the Hope Castle Demesne. A number of Community Gardens are within walking distance, and provide opportunities for students to see a variety of crops at different stages and seasons.We are also very lucky to have a large forest park “Black-Island” within walking distance of the school. Here we can study the different types of trees, soil requirements, effects of shade, importance of diversity etc., especially relevant to the Forestry module. During the Spring Module one of the high-lights is the “Blue-bell walk” which is quite spectacular when the landscape around the Black-Island is transformed into a carpet of purple for a couple of weeks. Both Autumn and Spring modules tend the school flower-beds and grounds generally, with particular attention to a memorial tree and flower- bed for a deceased student who died during his Transition Year in 2000.
Getting ready for Christmas 2011
Autumn 2011
Visiting Black Island
Open night
