Foundation Studies students gain ‘confidence and pride’ from plant sale that made £310.00

Foundation Studies students from Brockenhurst College made £310.00 by organising and running a plant sale on Tuesday.

The group set up shop in one of two gardens at Brock’s Foundation and Independence Hub, where they intend to invest the profits.

Between 10:30am and 1:00pm students and staff from across the College dropped in to purchase new additions for their gardens.

Most specimens had been planted from seed and then nurtured to relative maturity by the group.

Painted stones, painted plant pots, fairy houses, painted garden stakes, also created by Foundation Studies students, were available to buy as well.

Five learners studying Independent Living Skills were directly involved in the planting and selling.

Other students from Foundation Studies helped with organisation and sales too.

Independent Living Skills students participate in weekly sessions dedicated to gardening skills.

They learn about growing plants from seed, plant care and different types of plants, as well as how to use gardening tools safely and effectively.

How to spend the proceeds of the plant sale is currently under discussion by the students and their teachers.

Likely investments include a water feature, new gardening tools and/or more seeds to germinate ahead of next year’s plant sale.

Foundation Studies Lecturer, Clare Andreotti, said: “This event required planning, designing and organising, and the students were involved at every stage.

“On the day of the sale, they helped label products and organise tables, working collaboratively.

“Applying numeracy skills was critical for making sales and cash handling; meanwhile, the event provided opportunities to practise social interaction skills.

“It was wonderful to see the students gaining confidence and pride in their work, so overall it was a very positive and happy day, and a very worthwhile and rewarding initiative.”