Grounds management

School grounds have great potential as a location and context for learning.  Surveys of school grounds and the local environment can identify how the grounds are managed, used and valued. Schools can undertake biodiversity investigations that inspire native gardens or students may look at patterns of use for design and technology projects. Teachers can integrate student learning into the development of the SEMP through investigation of water use or stormwater, developing new waste strategies and recycling facilities. Investigations can lead to implementing changes in which the whole school community can become involved. 

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The investigation and description process leads to an increased awareness of the physical aspect of the school.  If students then investigate use patterns and biodiversity, an understanding of the values students place on the school grounds and its value as habitat can be analysed.

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This site has tools and activities to assist in investigating and describing the school environment as part of the monitoring process.  These can be used as science, geography, numeracy and literacy based activities and can contribute to the SEMP. See survey tools on this page or search other sites and tools . More >

Events in the grounds can launch or celebrate a project with students describing their plans actions and outcomes.  Many schools engage the community with grounds events where parents work with students in their grounds projects.

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These case studies demonstrate how schools have integrated student learning with the school grounds projects aimed at increasing biodiversity or the learning resources of the school.  Many of these reflect a strong school and community partnership.

School grounds case studies

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