Learning Through Horticulture

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.

Our Horticulture Learning Priorities

Each gardening experience offers opportunities to develop practical, personal and social skills, with support tailored to individual learning goals.

Planting & Garden Care

Exploring how plants grow through seed sowing, watering, weeding, tending garden beds and caring for seasonal plants.

Sensory & Outdoor Exploration

Discovering natural textures, scents, colours and sounds through engaging outdoor experiences suited to individual sensory preferences.

Independence & Practical Skills

Practising everyday routines, using gardening equipment with appropriate support, making choices and completing meaningful tasks.

Communication & Teamwork

Sharing ideas, requesting tools or assistance, taking turns and working alongside others to care for a shared space.

Movement & Coordination

Building opportunities to practise grasping, pouring, digging, reaching and other movements through purposeful gardening activities.

Environmental Awareness

Observing seasons, recognising the needs of living things and exploring simple ways to care for plants and the environment.