St Malachy’s Primary School, Ballymoyer

At Gardening for Schools, we were delighted to visit St Mary’s Dechomet, Ballyward, where pupils from Reception to Year 3 enjoyed a wonderful morning of pot planting in the school’s beautiful outdoor classroom. Led by Kieran Gallagher, the session introduced the children to the joy of gardening through hands-on learning, helping them understand how plants grow and what they need to thrive.
The pupils were enthusiastic and fully engaged as they filled their pots with colourful, hardy plants, learning about soil, roots and watering along the way. This early introduction to gardening not only sparks curiosity but also supports sensory development, wellbeing and confidence in the outdoor environment.
We were thrilled to see such excitement and teamwork from the children, and it was a pleasure to help nurture their growing interest in nature. The newly planted pots now add vibrant colour to the outdoor classroom, creating a welcoming space that the whole school community can enjoy throughout the year.