Case studies
Horticulture in the school grounds at Mountain Ash School
Case study group: secondary
Mountain Ash School is an 11-19 comprehensive with around 1,200 pupils, in an area of deprivation near Cardiff. The grounds are very extensive and varied, and include woodland areas, playing fields, and hard surface areas. Its former life as the grounds of Lord Aberdare's manor house are evident in the remnants of pathways and buildings such as a stable block, and the large number of specimen trees which were clearly once an arboretum.
Horticulture was introduced into Mountain Ash School's 14-16 curriculum as part of their Key Start programme in September 2003. A local horticultural consultant works with students two days a week, and the project has the enthusiastic support of the headteacher. When the project started, it involved seven boys in Year 10. It was soon extended to more students, and post-16 courses were introduced.
Their first project was to survey the raised beds on site. Students carried out risk assessments for working on these beds, looked at the construction of the beds, surveyed the planting, and started to identify additional planning, with a particular view towards improving their appearance in the winter. They measured and sketched the beds, used books to identify and research the plants, and wrote maintenance schedules, which they then implemented throughout the course.
The students work off-site as well as within the grounds, helping to maintain the grounds at local primary schools and the village church. One aim is for them to be seen by their local community to be working responsibly. Students also cleared an overgrown off-site allotment for food growing, and the crop was shared between students as well as given as a 'thank you' to people who have supported the project.
