Rustington school blooming lovely thanks to pupils

PUPILS at a Rustington primary have been proving just how bloomin’ brilliant they are when it comes to tending to their school’s flora and fauna.
Georgian Gardens Primary School Taking park in the national Blooming Schools awardL39531h14Georgian Gardens Primary School Taking park in the national Blooming Schools awardL39531h14
Georgian Gardens Primary School Taking park in the national Blooming Schools awardL39531h14

Youngsters at the Georgian Gardens Primary School, in Guildford Road, have had a stellar year packed with gardening triumph.

Much like Rustington itself, the school has shown it has an impressive talent for producing some truly dazzling displays, fantastic fruit and delicious veg.

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Earlier this year, it scooped its consecutive seventh gold award in the South and South East Blooming Schools Awards, as well as being hailed county champions and overall regional winners from about 400 schools.

Olly Blann and Brodie Atkinson with the elm tree project L39535h14Olly Blann and Brodie Atkinson with the elm tree project L39535h14
Olly Blann and Brodie Atkinson with the elm tree project L39535h14

Now, the pupils – right from years-three to six – are bracing themselves for their biggest gardening challenge yet.

Next year, for the first time ever, Georgian Gardens will be battling others across the country to be crowned champion of champions.

And youngsters are already taking the competition seriously by preparing the school’s displays and woodland trails – eight months before the judging date, in June.

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In spite of the increased competition, this is not something worrying the school’s veteran young gardeners, who will be taking the reins this year.

“We’re not really nervous,” said Olivia Curtis, 11, who is in her final year at the school. “We just really enjoy gardening and we obviously like to win. But I think because you don’t know the other schools you are up against and can’t see what they are doing, it’s better. We can just do our own thing.”

This year, they highlighted the bravery of those who were killed in the Second World War by creating ‘trenches’ filled with poppies, barley and commemorative displays.

Now, Georgian Gardens’ latest theme will be paying tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the First World War.

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Bill Molloy, head teacher, said the school’s success had so far been ‘bloomin’ marvellous’.

He thanked pupils and staff member Deirdre Carolin, Laurence Pettitt and Trudi Fookes for their dedication.

“I’m extremely proud of the award and especially as everyone at Georgian Gardens had worked so hard to achieve it.

“It is fantastic to be recognised at this level as being an outstanding school on all things horticultural.

“Now the journey begins to become national champions.”

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