Ms Nägeli, what is the «Vegetable Academy» all about?
This is an educational programme for Years 1 to 6 , in which classes cultivate their own school garden. Our team supports teachers and children throughout the process, from the ground-breaking ceremony right through to the harvest. We supply seeds and seedlings, assist the classes with planting on site, and provide them with advice and practical support throughout the year.
You don't necessarily need any prior gardening experience to get involved. We offer three online basic training sessions, each lasting two to three hours, to help teachers who wish to set up a school garden with their classes prepare for this task.
Apart from gardening, what else is the content about?
Our digital learning platform provides schools with background information, video tutorials and comprehensive teaching materials, which we have developed in line with the principles of «Education for Sustainable Development». Der Schulacker is the ideal place to teach local students about global issues relating to water, biodiversity and our consumption habits.
There is hardly any other space that facilitates learning in so many different ways.
Working in the field and the associated learning activities cover a wide range of learning objectives in the subject of Nature, People and Society. It also makes sense to go out into the field for maths or language lessons, for example when calculating planting distances or keeping a journal of activities. There is hardly any other setting that facilitates learning in such a variety of ways.
What do schools need to provide for this?
A minimum of 20 to 30 square metres of space would be required; we recommend two to three square metres per child. However, we have also created school gardens in very small spaces of just 10 square metres. Almost everywhere there is a strip of green space that can be repurposed. Acker schools pay a contribution towards costs based on their financial means; if necessary, our partners will step in to help.
From April to October, teachers should plan for around two lessons a week in the field. A weekly newsletter will provide information on what needs to be done and when, and we will be on site to assist with the planting.
Further information: acker.co/gemueseackerdemie
