The South Site Central Garden

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1 The South Site Central Garden A vision for the outside spaces of Cherwell School The aims of this project: To create a calm green oasis at the heart of South Site. A space to support the mental, social & physical wellbeing of all school users by providing a place to relax, recharge and socialise. A space that connects users to nature and the artistic creativity lying at the heart of our school.

2 The phase one area as it currently stands Problems with the proposed site came into sharp focus when students and staff were consulted: 1. The undefined and underutilised nature of a major space sitting at the heart of South Site. It is little more than a grassed run-around, an outside corridor to other parts of the school, with small patches used for relaxation in the dry summer months; 2. The exposed, industrial and unattractive feel of the space, due to the large amount of visible brick, cracked paving slabs and flat, undefined nature of the site; 3. There is a lack of any seating to support socialisation, teaching and relaxation. Only those young enough to sit on the floor use it to relax, and only then in the summer; 4. The lack of plants, habitats & therefore wildlife, exclude nature and inhibit students interactions with it; 5. The restricted seasonal use of the area (due to the central grassed space becoming awash with mud in the autumn, winter and early spring months), which in turn makes corridors messy and compresses students into other areas of the site making them feel more overcrowded as a result.

3 Some Key Features of the New Garden New Silver Birch Tree Astro-turf area Art Plinths Tree Seat Water Feature New table seating The Chill Zone Grassed Area Bonded Gravel Paths

4 The Principles of the Redesign A clear, calm & social purpose for the space To focus the use of the area into a calm, mentally refreshing space that becomes an attractive hub for socialisation of our various school users: Students & staff during the day Parents & carers at social events Community users (Stagecoach pupils & parents etc) Putting Art at the heart To use the space to showcase the students artistic creativity: Plinths all around the site to display student artwork Possible forth plinth competition for student to display a winning sculpture A calming water feature designed & made by students within a competition

5 Planting for nature & beauty To create a number of planting beds to: Soften and cover the current hard surfaces, creating a peaceful, attractive and restorative space Break up the site into smaller discreet areas for people to sit and relax Unify the space with themed and reoccurring seasonal plant choices Provide year round habitats and food for wildlife (bug houses, bird boxes & different structural plants)

6 Year round use To enable and encourage use of the site throughout the year but especially during the Autumn and Winter terms alongside the others. Achieving this by: Encouraging student use of pathways through raised beds (stopping wear of grassed areas & mud ingress to the school corridors) Using year round surfaces such as astro-turf & bonded gravel in areas with large foot fall Selecting hard wearing, recycled plastic seating options that dry quickly & have a long lifespan Ensuring attractive autumn and winter interest in the planting schemes The building a The doughnut enterprise hut for students to use in fundraising events Helping us achieve our vision for the South Site Central Garden You can help us by donating financially at our Total Giving page below or by offering volunteer time (for planting or some other skill) gardenrooms@cherwellpta.org

7 The South Site Central Garden is part of the larger Garden Rooms Project The overview of the new garden The aims of this project are to: Enhance the visual appeal and unity of North & South Sites outside spaces; Improve the facilities to enhance opportunities for outside learning, student fitness & the display of student artwork; Aid students and staff s health and mental well-being; Provide spaces to support local wildlife; Reflect Cherwell School s innovative, outward-looking and inclusive educational ethos.

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