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‘Bower is really growing!’ School reaps the benefits of Polycrub project





Bower Primary School pupils proudly showing some of their homegrown veg.
Bower Primary School pupils proudly showing some of their homegrown veg.

A primary school growing project in Caithness has been described as “an exciting learning curve” by the head teacher.

Bower pupils are producing their own healthy veg and using it in soups, salads and other dishes, while there is an honesty box in operation with takings to go towards the next harvest.

In 2022, along with the parent forum, the school received a grant through the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund towards purchasing a Polycrub – a polytunnel/greenhouse hybrid.

The following year Caithness firm GMR Henderson built the structure. Since then, pupils have enjoyed learning how to prepare, plant, nurture and grow flowers to enjoy and to benefit wildlife while also growing produce for eating.

Head teacher Sylvie Sinclair explained: “At least once a week, pupils are encouraged to sample something new. Some of our most successful crops have been our own potatoes made into potato salad and freshly picked corn on the cob.

“Local businesses and individuals have been generous with their materials, expertise and their time to create work surfaces, a path and raised beds.

Pupils at the ‘Homegrown Hut’ outside Bower Primary School.
Pupils at the ‘Homegrown Hut’ outside Bower Primary School.

“We’ve already grown many items from seeds, including butternut squash, radishes, tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn, peas, courgettes and broad beans, as well as strawberries.”

Mrs Sinclair pointed out that P4-7 teacher Claire Henderson “has gone above and beyond” by nurturing the crop during holidays and at weekends and organising keen helpers.

“Our learners benefit from tasting and sampling some of their produce,” Mrs Sinclair said. “Mrs Henderson and her class have named it ‘Might Like It Monday’ where everyone is given the opportunity to have a taste.

“It has been an exciting learning curve, and we are able to share excess plants and produce with our community. We are so proud of the ‘Homegrown Hut’ which is in situ outside the school grounds – donations for our produce are welcome.”

Brothers Ezekiel and Levi Gavin holding pumpkins.
Brothers Ezekiel and Levi Gavin holding pumpkins.

She added: “I am so proud of our pupils and staff. They have taken such a genuinely keen interest in every aspect of growing their produce.

“This has been an enormous learning opportunity which incorporates all their key subjects with hands-on experience for a more enjoyable and fulfilling lesson.

“Their enthusiasm is noticeable with every product and they have made amazing soups, salads and potato dishes. They also enjoy counting their takings from the honesty box, which will be used to put back into growing for the next harvest.

“Bower is really growing!”

Hazel Roberts with some of the fresh produce in the Polycrub.
Hazel Roberts with some of the fresh produce in the Polycrub.

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