TALENTED pupils at a Coventry school have scooped first prize in a green-fingered contest for the fourth year in a row.
The panel of judges hailed the efforts of Finham Primary School, in Green Lane, as the winner of the Community Garden prize at this year’s Kenilworth and District Agricultural Society’s (KADAS) annual Schools Gardens Competition.
This year marked the fourth year the school has won the competition, and to mark the occasion KADAS created a special award in recognition of the children’s hard work and dedication.
The school won £75 for their efforts – and the money will be reinvested into their popular garden facility.
Mandy Wilding, assistant head teacher at Finham Primary School, said she’s delighted the children’s hard work has been recognised by the judges and that the school values outdoor education.
She added: “Outdoor education is an important part of our curriculum and we have a gardening group led by both Mrs Hollis and Mrs Schofield.
“We grow plants and vegetables, keep chickens and bees, have wildlife boxes, pick litter, hold pond dipping activities and also hold an annual hanging basket competition.
“Throughout this we allow the children to be creative while teaching them about the environment, recycling and safety.”
Cynthia Mold, from KADAS and a member of the judging panel, said: “We were very impressed by the standard of entries in this year’s competition.
“The Schools Gardens Competition is a fantastic way of helping children learn and understand how things grow while having fun at the same time – each school’s entry was completely different, and it was fascinating to see all of the gardens.
“Finham Primary School has created a wonderful, colourful garden which not only included plants, but also vegetables, bees and chickens – there is a real variety of elements to it.”
