Westbourne Garden Studio brings calm and wellbeing to vibrant school
A new Garden Studio at Sheffield’s Westbourne School has created a safe haven and peaceful centre at the heart of bustling Broomhill.
The Garden Studio – a tech free and environmentally friendly space for all children and staff – forms part of the Independent School’s provision for wellbeing.
And as part of the project, pupils were invited to donate a perennial plant. The aim was to inspire Westbourne pupils through the power of plants, engaging them with their surroundings and teaching them the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.
The ambitious project has been brought to fruition under the guidance of Governor Glenn Day and follows the success of Westbourne’s Forest School, which is based in The Dell, the secret wooded garden within the Senior School site.
“The aim of the Garden Studio is primarily to create a space of calm and tranquillity that can be used by both children and staff,” said Westbourne Headmaster John Hicks.
“It’s a space to take time out, leave technology at the door and think and re-charge. It really does feel like a true oasis in this very private area of the school grounds.
“We really do want to thank Glenn for the way he drove the project to a successful completion and a massive thank you to the parents and local companies, whose extreme generosity helped to make our dream a reality.
“They collectively used the lockdown period to ensure that the project would be completed in time for our autumn return.”
In addition, the room’s bi-fold doors can be thrown open so the room can be used for live performances, with the tiered garden space making an ideal natural audience space.
The garden studio will also provide an extra classroom for the school’s record number of 377 pupils, its highest ever autumn intake.
“There as so many ways in which this space will enhance the education and experience of all our pupils,” said Mr Hicks.
“We have just opened the new Senior School Hall and we now look forward to the start of our £3 million Junior School redevelopment project in 2021.
“Despite the difficulties we have faced throughout 2020, we now look forward to a new year and a time of growth for every Westbourne child.”
