This section is addressed to teachers and parents, to explain how Edible Playgrounds can help with your schoolwork.

Science
Pupils will carry out experiments that are directly relevant to what they are doing in their garden and will practice communicating their findings in a variety of ways. They will use all their senses in their investigation of life processes and living things and will also learn to assess health and safety risks relating to the garden.

English
In planning and organising their garden, pupils will develop their speaking and listening skills and in the classroom they will take part in discussions and practice writing in different formats by writing, for example, a diary or press release. They will also explore food issues through drama.

Citizenship/PSHE
Running a garden helps pupils prepare to play an active role as citizens by setting goals, facing challenges developing relationships, taking and sharing responsibility and feeling positive about themselves. They will make real choices about looking after the school environment and make links with their community including local food producers.

In classroom activities they will find out about where food comes from, debate topical food issue and talk and write about their opinions. They will learn more about nutrition and developing a healthy lifestyle through preparing and cooking food.

Geography
Through their garden pupils will begin to recognise how the environment may be improved and managed sustainably by people. In the classroom they will use globes and make maps and plans in investigating food production.

History
Working in their garden will allow pupils to examine the Second World War ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign’ in the context of their own practical experiences and to consider why this was necessary. They will investigate how food was traded in the past and in preparing and cooking food they will examine recipes from earlier periods, such as the Roman and Tudor periods.

ICT
Pupils will practice using the Internet to research information relevant to their garden work and to food issues. They will share and exchange information using ICT in a variety of forms including contributing to the school website and newsletter and producing publicity materials.

Music
The garden will provide inspiration for pupils to use their voices expressively in class by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes and by creating music and sound

PE
In the garden pupils will discover that physical activity is good for their health and well-being.

Maths
Some garden tasks and classroom activities including food preparation will require pupils to develop mathematical skills. Practicing how to measure and count and learn about percentages.

Design and Technology
In the classroom pupils will work, develop, plan, communicate ideas and make useful objects for the garden using appropriate materials.

Art and Design
In the classroom activities pupils will practice creating images to communicate observations, ideas and feelings about food issues.