CHIJ Kellock

The CHIJ Kellock Edible Garden, christened Laudato Si’ by the school, is a flourishing farm meant to excite the primary school students, and get them more involved in nature and gardening. The build was accompanied by a 10-week educational programme for both the Gardening Club as well as staff, with the course designed so that they would be able to maintain the garden on their own in the long term.

The space was designed to be cosy and immersive - with meandering pathways etched out using purposeful placement of planters, and archways that would not only provide some shade, but also additional dimension to the space. For ease of maintenance, an automated irrigation system was set up. A wide variety of plants were chosen, from climbing edible flowers, to lush leafy greens and fragrant herbs. A Mediterranean area was also carved out for herbs like rosemary. The selection was chosen for students to have greater choice when creating farm-to-table meals, or when operating their own farmer’s market.

The school now uses the garden as part of the teaching and learning in Science and Food Sustainability. Learning trails are developed so that students can learn the concepts as they observe plants and animals in the garden. Students involved in the school's Gardening CCA maintain the garden once a week. In line with the school’s vision, they use the produce to reach out to the lost, last and least. Occasionally, other learners are roped in to take care of the plants and cultivate a sense of responsibility and curiosity.

This build and programme was supported by Lam Soon Singapore.