Science Department and TY students start preparing the school biodiversity garden

On Thursday 22nd October Transition Year, Ms McCarthy and Ms O’Sullivan went outside to the back of the school yard to prepare a small area for a garden. We all brought our own boots to stand in the mud and gardening gloves. Ms McCarthy supplied us with garden tools such a shovels and trowels.

The class was divided into two groups: the first group had to stay outside and help with pulling weeds and digging into the soil; the second group stayed inside and contacted possible sponsors that could help us by donating free plants, garden tools, etc. 

The group that helped with the garden outside had a lot to do. First Ms McCarthy and Ms O’Sullivan helped us pick an appropriate spot for our garden. We picked the area over the big fence that divides the basketball field and the grass field. Once we all agreed on a spot we began to use big trowels to dig up the grass, which then we left a long patch of soil where the plants will be planted. Others also helped by pulling weeds from around the soil so that it wouldn’t get in our garden. 

The second group which were responsible for contacting sponsors used the computers in the computer room to send emails to shops and companies that could sponsor our garden. 
Julia Tatar-Concado, (TY)

The first job we did was surveying the area and finding any wildlife to get an idea of the local eco-system. We also measured the length and width of the land we would be using. All the groups were busy with their tasks. One group was researching sleepers for the garden. Another group was designing a plan of the garden landscape. A third group was getting prices for materials and tools needed for the garden and others were communicating to the rest of the school searching for donations of tools, materials or help. We are all working hard to make this garden a success. 

Jake Henry (TY)