Sustainability in Sittingbourne

Our students at The Sittingbourne School have been harvesting strawberries grown on site as part of the school’s wider sustainability work.

Bringing together students from Years 7, 8 and 9, the special event gave our Key Stage 3 students there the opportunity to spend time outdoors, work together and celebrate the results of their efforts in the school garden. It also supported the school’s focus on hands-on learning, helping students connect their classroom studies with real-world experiences.

The activity linked closely to science and geography, with students exploring plant growth, ecosystems, seasonal farming, sustainability and the journey food takes from farm to fork. It also provided a foundation for food technology lessons, supporting future learning around nutrition, seasonal produce and healthy eating.

The Sittingbourne School’s eco garden is currently growing onions, cucumbers, sweetcorn, potatoes and radishes in recycled raised beds, with strawberries planted for the first time this year.

This latest harvest forms part of The Sittingbourne School’s wider commitment to sustainability and outdoor learning through its Eco Schools programme. We're proud to highlight that our school here has achieved the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Distinction - an international award that recognises schools for their work to protect the environment and involve students in sustainability projects!

The Sittingbourne School is also on track to retain the title for a second year running and has received a Kent Green School Award, recognising its environmental achievements.

Across the school, our students here have been involved in a wide range of eco projects, including planting vegetables and herbs for the school canteen, recycling plastic and electrical waste, building bug hotels and creating a wildlife pond. These opportunities support The Sittingbourne School’s wider commitment to helping students develop confidence, feel a strong sense of belonging and grow into rounded, responsible individuals who are ready to make a positive contribution to the world around them.

William, a Year 9 student at The Sittingbourne School, said:

"It’s been brilliant getting out of the classroom and actually seeing how the things we learn in science and geography work in real life. Working as a team to grow everything from potatoes to strawberries makes you realise how much effort goes into the food on our plates. Winning the Green Flag with Distinction makes all the hard work in the eco garden totally worth it."

Pip, a Year 9 student at The Sittingbourne School, said:

"Being part of the eco garden project has really changed how I think about sustainability. It’s not just about learning from a textbook; we are actively helping the environment, recycling, and even growing food for our own school canteen. It feels amazing to be part of a school that cares so much about the planet, and it definitely motivates us to keep doing more."

Nick Smith, Headteacher at The Sittingbourne School, added:

“It was wonderful to see our students taking such pride in harvesting strawberries they had grown themselves. The activity brought together so many important elements of our Eco Schools work, from sustainability and food provenance to teamwork and wellbeing.

“Opportunities like this show how powerful hands-on outdoor learning can be, helping students connect what they learn in the classroom with the world around them.”