Our Gardening Project

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The Cabbage Patch

Growing together at Brooklands

At Brooklands, we believe that some of the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom. Our Cabbage Patch is a shared outdoor space where children learn by doing—planting, nurturing and harvesting their own produce while developing confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility. We grow much more than just cabbages!

Working with soil and plants provides a calm, inclusive environment where children can feel grounded and supported. It is a space where wellbeing and learning go hand in hand, helping every child to grow both academically and personally.

Learning through nature

The Cabbage Patch enriches our curriculum in meaningful and engaging ways. Through hands-on experiences, children develop knowledge and skills across a range of subjects including science, maths, art and PSHE.

Children learn where food comes from by growing, cooking and tasting what they produce, while also gaining an understanding of healthy, nutritious choices. Alongside this, they build important life skills—teamwork, responsibility and care for the environment.

A space for everyone

Our garden is a shared community project. Children, staff and volunteers work together to care for the space through regular gardening sessions, watering and weeding routines, and maintaining our compost systems.

We also celebrate our learning through ‘Big Outcomes’ such as harvest events, garden-to-table experiences, art projects and seasonal celebrations, strengthening the connection between school and home.

Learning across the year

The rhythm of the Cabbage Patch follows the seasons. Throughout the year, children take part in a wide range of activities—from sowing seeds in spring, to harvesting produce in summer and autumn, and preparing the garden for winter.

They learn essential gardening skills such as planting, watering, composting and caring for plants, as well as observing growth and recording their learning. These experiences bring the curriculum to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

Growing more than plants

Above all, the Cabbage Patch reflects our values at Brooklands. It is a place where curiosity is encouraged, resilience is built, and togetherness thrives.

By nurturing a love of learning and a connection to the natural world, we are helping our children develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to flourish—now and in the future.