Growing a Living Classroom

A Practical Garden Course for Primary School Teachers

Join us this September for a short, inspiring course designed to help teachers bring nature, gardening, and wellbeing into the classroom.

Set in a beautiful walled garden and five-acre wildflower & sunflower field, this hands-on course focuses on simple seasonal activities that can easily be replicated with pupils.

What You Will Experience

Over three evenings we will focus strongly on practical outdoor learning activities suitable for primary schools.

Apples in the Walled Garden

• Explore different apple varieties

• Learn how to use seasonal harvests in the classroom

• Take part in a simple apple-juicing activity

Chamomile & School Gardening

• Grow chamomile – an ideal plant for school gardens

• Pick fresh flowers and make chamomile tea

• Connect gardening with wellbeing and healthy lifestyles

Biophilic Design for Schools

• Learn practical ways to bring nature connection into school environments

• Simple ideas for nature-rich classrooms and school grounds

Seasonal Gardening Activities

• Seed saving

• Autumn sowing garlic and onions

• Ideas for quick wins in the school garden

Participants will also receive seedlings to help kick-start school growing projects.

Outdoor Learning Space

Teachers will have access to our five-acre wildflower and sunflower field, which we will use as a unique outdoor learning classroom.

☕ Refreshments

Light refreshments will be served each evening.

Who Is This For?

Primary school teachers who want to:

• Introduce gardening and outdoor learning

• Create nature-connected classrooms

• Develop simple seasonal projects with pupils

Bio - Ann Marie Durkin is a gardener and workshop facilitator at Coolamber House. She redesigned and created the one-acre walled garden, including dedicated areas for vegetables, fruit and flowers, as well as wild areas and nature trails to support biodiversity.With over 20 years’ experience, Ann Marie teaches gardening and lifestyle workshops that build practical skills, inspiring a love for growing your own in the renovated stables of Coolamber with the practical element of all courses taking place in the adjoining Walled Garden.

Learning Outcomes:

• Teachers will gain the core gardening skills: soil prep, planting, watering and basic care.
• Teachers will be able to complete simple and seasonal tasks applicable to the school garden for both edible + biodiversity.
• Teachers will develop ideas to differentiate activities so all pupils can participate.

Instagram: Coolamberhouseandgarden
Website: www.coolambergarden.com

Booking fee is non-refundable

Address

Coolamber
Lismacaffrey, Co. Westmeath
N91 AX25