The Primary School Garden at Braidwood Central was refreshed during the recent school holidays when a group of enthusiastic parents, teacher and kids held working bees to replenish the existing garden. Where possible recycled material and donated goods were used to smother existing weeds, assemble new beds and construct garden beds ready for curriculum based learning experiences for all primary classes. Initial planting has been completed by the keen students partaking in the twice weekly lunchtime Garden Guru's group. Lettuce and carrots are sprouting and freshly picked beans were enjoyed by some lucky guru's last week.

Educators worldwide are recognising the benefits of school gardens enabling programs of learning that spread across all subject matter. Examples such as nutrition, science, maths, the environment, art and design are only a few subjects where the learning experiences can be applied.

Braidwood Central School Primary curriculum will integrate the learning opportunities across a range of disciplines. Our primary aim is to give the kids a chance to learn how to work within their local environment when producing their own food. Priorities of learning will include chemical free gardening, recycling, water awareness and appreciation of fresh and local produce. The skills and knowledge will travel with the students throughout their lives regardless of where they live.

Produce will supply the School Canteen. This will enable the students to be rewarded with fresh, chemical free, locally grown food prepared on site.

Initial planning advice was kindly provided by Palerang Permaculture. Ongoing curriculum based organic gardening program has been offered by Biological Farmers of Australia. Greater Southern Area Health Service through the Healthy Schools Initiative provided funding that enabled the project to get off the ground. The hard work and dedication of the parents, teachers and young students contributing to the garden will be rewarded with the taste and flavour of fresh picked produce.