Pupils aim for allotment in School Build competition

Charity Roots Allotment has been working with the school since half term, taking pupils out to plant crops in new raised beds.

But with the £7,500 worth of building work, a working allotment and polytunnel would be created in the school grounds, allowing produce to be harvested year-round for use in the school’s canteen.

Susan Wood, of Roots Allotment, said: “As a charity, we usually work with with young unemployed people or secondary schools, so it is really exciting for us to be working with our first primary school.

“It is different with little children. They get so much out of it, from the tactile experience of touching the soil to the excitement they get from growing something and waiting for it to come out of the ground.

“Lots of them have never gardened before, which is really sad. We have been talking about what they want to grow and they are very keen on fruit.

“Having a polytunnel would mean we could grow some amazing produce, from strawberries, raspberries and cherries, to more tropical stuff.”

St John Fisher’s plans also include improving other under-used areas of the grounds, including building a canopy for outdoor lessons all year.

School head Jude Bennett said: “We want to do things to increase the fantastic outdoor space we have got at St John Fisher. This will take children out of the classroom, and getting outdoors those who might not have any first hand experience of gardening at home.”

She added: “The possibilities for learning about the environment, growing and nurturing food and plants, and preparing, eating and selling produce are fantastic.

“We know that our children will benefit enormously.

“They will be gaining new skills that will serve them throughout life, and the polytunnel and outside area makeover would make such a difference.”

* To support the school’s bid for the prize, send vouchers to St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, Sandy Lane West, Littlemore, Oxford OX4 6LD