Co-Educational Day School and Boarding from 0-18 years
Sussex International Study Centre
Newlands School
Eastbourne Road
Seaford, East Sussex
UK, BN25 4NP
Tel: 01323 490000
Tel (Outside UK):
+44 1323 490000
Fax: 01323 898420
E.mail:
registrar@newlands-school.com
enquiries@newlands-school.com
Discovery Garden Opening
It was once an area of wasteland within the school’s 21 acre site. Now, after months of commitment and effort it is the Discovery Garden. A garden designed by pupils, created by pupils and enjoyed by pupils of all ages throughout the school – and on Friday 28th September it was officially opened by TV personality Tommy Walsh.
Tommy, known for his expertise on the BBC’s Garden Force, spent over an hour with a group of pupils heavily involved in the garden’s creation before taking on the official duty of unveiling a beautifully inscribed monolith that now stands at one end of the garden.
Inspired by teacher, Martin Bulger, and named after one of Captain James Cook’s ships the Discovery Garden has become a wonderful addition to the school. Martin said: “The inspiration really came after a visit to the famous Eden Project which had left me completely in awe. When I returned to the site after the school holidays I spoke to the children about the concept of creating our own mini project and was delighted with their enthusiasm.”
Under the guidance and watchful eyes of Martin, pupils have, over the last twelve months chosen to spend break-times and activity periods in the garden. Seeds have been nurtured in to plants and plants have created beautiful beds. Herbs and organic vegetables now lay amongst the garden’s colours and scents. A wooden seating area designed like a snail –that transforms the area into an outside classroom in fine weather - was also designed and built by the pupils.
The official opening gave over one hundred and fifty visitors the opportunity to appreciate the result of many months of creativity and work. The guests, including representatives from the Seaford Horticultural Society and the Seaford Allotments Association, joined parents and pupils as they wandered past the wildlife pond (still a work in progress) and marvelled at the autumn colours on display.
The flowerpot pyramid that overlooks the pond received many admiring glances as did the snail seating and the large pumpkins in the raised vegetable plot. Tommy’s particular favourite feature was a table that was designed and built to look like the huge open flowerhead of a michaelmas daisy.
The plans for the future of the garden goes on and on. A waterfall, bridge, pergola, folly and drama stage are just a few of the ideas in the pipeline.
The garden has become many things for many people. In fine weather it is not uncommon to find the younger pupils enjoying stories in the garden. Older pupils have used the setting for creativity in English and Art.
Children that once had little or no interest in gardening are choosing to spend their activities and break times outside - seeding, planting, designing and building - generally enjoying everything a beautiful garden can bring.
Speaking about the Discovery Garden and the pupils, Tommy said: “It is so refreshing to see children so enthusiastic. They have taken great pride showing me around and talking about their vision for the future. In a time when children so often have interests that lean towards computers and non active hobbies the Discovery Garden opens up new horizons for many of them.”
Speaking at the end of the event, Headmaster, Chris Bridgman said: “ The result of months of hard work has culminated into a wonderful area for all to enjoy. It would not have been the success it is without the leadership of Martin, the energy of the children, the support of the school’s maintenance team and the generosity of parent, Mark Tilley, who was kind enough to donate the inscribed monolith.”
