Growing confidence, practical skills and connections with nature through hands-on learning.
Horticulture at Yarraville Special Developmental School gives students meaningful opportunities to learn in our school gardens and outdoor spaces. Through practical gardening experiences, students explore the natural world, develop new skills and take pride in what they can achieve.
Students are supported to take part in activities such as planting seeds, watering, caring for plants, weeding and harvesting seasonal produce. Tasks can be adapted to suit different interests, abilities and communication needs, allowing every learner to participate in ways that are meaningful to them.
Working in the garden also encourages curiosity, sensory exploration, movement, problem-solving and cooperation. Students can practise following routines, making choices and caring for shared spaces while seeing the results of their efforts over time.
Gardening provides a practical way to learn about plants, growing cycles and looking after the environment. Through activities such as caring for garden beds, using resources thoughtfully and observing seasonal changes, students can build an understanding of responsibility and sustainability in everyday life.
Each gardening experience offers opportunities to develop practical, personal and social skills, with support tailored to individual learning goals.
Exploring how plants grow through seed sowing, watering, weeding, tending garden beds and caring for seasonal plants.
Discovering natural textures, scents, colours and sounds through engaging outdoor experiences suited to individual sensory preferences.
Practising everyday routines, using gardening equipment with appropriate support, making choices and completing meaningful tasks.
Sharing ideas, requesting tools or assistance, taking turns and working alongside others to care for a shared space.
Building opportunities to practise grasping, pouring, digging, reaching and other movements through purposeful gardening activities.
Observing seasons, recognising the needs of living things and exploring simple ways to care for plants and the environment.
From planting a first seed to caring for a garden bed, each experience offers a chance to build confidence, celebrate individual progress and feel proud of contributing to our school environment.
