At Edge Hill, we are passionate about providing our students with holistic education experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. One of the unique programs we offer is our Kitchen Garden Program, which commences in Year 4 and aims to cultivate not only fruits and vegetables but also a love for healthy eating and sustainable living.
What is the Kitchen Garden Program?
Our Kitchen Garden Program is a hands-on learning experience that integrates gardening, cooking, and nutrition education. Students actively participate in every stage of the food production process, from planting seeds and tending to crops in our school garden to harvesting fresh produce and transforming it into delicious, nutritious meals in our kitchen.
Benefits of the Program
- Hands-on Learning: Through hands-on activities in the garden and kitchen, students develop valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
- Healthy Eating Habits: By growing and cooking their own fruits and vegetables, students gain a deeper appreciation for nutritious foods and are more likely to make healthy choices.
- Sustainability: The program instils an understanding of where food comes from and the importance of sustainable agriculture practices, fostering environmental stewardship among students. Sustainability threads through the whole school via composting and recycling programs.
- Culinary Creativity: Students unleash their creativity in the kitchen, experimenting with different recipes and flavours while learning the art of cooking from scratch.
- Community Engagement: The Kitchen Garden Program promotes community engagement through activities such as sharing/selling harvests
- Parent Involvement: Parents volunteer and provide support to the teachers and students enabling parents to support their child's learning.
How it Works
- In Year 4, students begin their journey by learning the basics of gardening, including planting seeds, caring for plants, and understanding the importance of soil health.
- As the crops grow, students engage in garden-based learning activities that integrate science, math, and literacy concepts.
- When the time comes for harvest, students harvest the fruits and vegetables they've grown and use them as ingredients to prepare healthy meals in our school kitchen.
- Guided by our dedicated educators and experienced chefs, students learn culinary skills and explore diverse cuisines, creating dishes that reflect the seasons and showcase the bounty of our garden.
The Kitchen Garden Program at Edge Hill is more than just a gardening or cooking class—it's an immersive educational experience that fosters a lifelong appreciation for healthy eating, sustainability, and community engagement.