School branches out with new orchard
Kids grow fruit trees
A West Lothian school continues to grow as pupils planted the first seeds in their brand new apple orchard.
Wi t h the £1 million improvement programme at Torphichen Primary nearing completion, work took place to enhance the outdoor learning environment by planting an apple orchard.
As part of their Community Benefit partnership, Hadden Group which is carrying out the work, worked alongside pupils and their families to plant six different species of apple trees to create an orchard which would provide a lasting memory for them. The orchard was chosen as the Community Benefit project by Torphichen Primary School and their PTA committee.
The orchard will provide a wealth of opportunities for the pupils to develop their science and outdoor learning in relation to life cycles, inherited and non- inherited characteristics, classification, fertilisation, pollination and nutrition. The construction project works consist of a new two classroom extension, a new integrated kitchen and dining facilities and new pupil toilets, which are key parts of the plan to help the school manage the expected rise in pupil numbers and support the Curriculum for Excellence.
Torphichen Primary School’s principal teacher, Louise Johnston, added: “We’d like to thank the Hadden Group for providing our students with their new apple orchard. We hope the orchard will provide a lasting memory for our students and will allow them to really enjoy their outdoor environment. I’d also like to thank our parents and carers for the support for the project so far and hope they enjoy and appreciate the orchard amongst our new facilities as much as our students and staff.”