The RHS School Gardening Awards, run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), is a nationally recognised programme that supports schools in developing gardening as a meaningful part of education. The awards are structured into progressive levels, guiding schools from getting started with gardening to embedding it across the curriculum and within the wider community.

At Eco Explorers Gardening Club, we are actively working through these levels by building our gardening knowledge and improving our outdoor spaces step by step. We began by introducing basic gardening activities, such as planting seeds, learning how to care for plants, and understanding what plants need to grow.

As we progress, we are developing more advanced skills. Pupils are now involved in planning what to grow, using tools safely, and maintaining our garden areas throughout the seasons. We are also exploring environmental themes, including composting, biodiversity, and how to garden sustainably.

A key part of the RHS awards is linking gardening to learning, and we are doing this by incorporating garden-based activities into subjects like science, maths, and art. We are also encouraging teamwork, responsibility, and independence through regular participation in the club.

Looking ahead, we aim to expand our gardening projects, involve more of the school community, and create a space that supports both wildlife and wellbeing. Each step brings us closer to achieving higher levels of the RHS School Gardening Awards while fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature.