Growing Plants, Growing Minds

5 December 2023Katie L, Mack '24

From the outside looking in, one could assume that the Grade 8s are slightly isolated from the rest of Brentwood. However, when it comes to environmental advocacy and gardening, these young students are all in!

Nathan C, Rogers ‘23 and I have been working to create an interactive learning space that educates the class on the process and growth of a plant. This would give the students a chance to get out of their classroom and enjoy some other parts of our ocean-side campus. The garden will be set up outside of Crooks Hall at the southeast corner of the building. This is a great spot because of its proximity to the Environmental Advocacy classroom and neighbouring apple trees.

Recently, a small group of the 8s came out to do the initial building that contributed to this garden box’s creation. Painting the sideboards was a subtle, but effective way to add colour and personalized art to the structure. As John Brennan, Grounds Operator expressed “It gives the space great character”. As they will be the first class to use this space, signing their names beside the art was a necessity.

As I remember from my days as a Grade 8, that class has “nutrition breaks” throughout the day that provide a break from in-class learning. Though many spend the time playing spike ball or other field games on Campbell Common, the students who prefer something more calming can now engage in this space. Ms Waugh, the Grade 8 teacher, thinks this is a “great initiative and activity for [her] kids to get involved in”.

It is evident that the eager students want to get the ball rolling as one of the Grade 8 girls recently asked “When can we actually plant the bulbs?! Once the bulbs are planted, it will improve the biodiversity of plants on our campus while educating the class on the specific intricacies of what it takes to nurture a bulb.

In fact, last week we planted a hundred tulips that should bloom in early spring.

Growing Plants. Growing Minds!

Katie L, Mack ‘24

Where Students Choose To Be