Scented Garden project launches

Year 2 pupils at Ashville’s Prep School have jumped into a world of creativity and fun at the start of their Scented Garden summer project.

The youngsters’ classrooms and outdoor area were transformed into a magical adventure straight out of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

The Prep School follows the Cornerstones curriculum and the Scented Garden is a science project designed for pupils to explore the sensory world of plants and the environment.

After jumping down a rabbit hole and being guided on their journey by the Mad Hatter, the pupils – dressed as characters from the Lewis Carroll book - began the day by reading riddles, before coming up with their own.

These were shared later at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Other fun activities included a challenging game of croquet.

Julie Bourgeois, Year 2 Class Teacher, said: “The ‘Wow’ experiences introduce the new topic in an exciting, fun and memorable way.

“As well as igniting the children’s enthusiasm, they provide an opportunity to develop important social skills and confidence.

“The Mad Hatter experience encouraged the children to be creative which is so important in a world which changes so rapidly.

“It was also an opportunity to involve the wider school community, inviting the rest of Pre-Prep to a very special Mad Hatter Lunch which we could enjoy together.

“The day allowed the children in Year 2 to explore their imaginations and exercise their creativity, something that the Cornerstones curriculum aims to inspire.”