OA-Thurrock students grow with OA Foundation investment in polytunnel
The polytunnel project has offered practical, relational learning, rooted in real-life responsibility. Outdoor learning and hands-on tasks help bridge the gap between theory and practice, showing students how skills can transfer across subjects and into everyday life. Importantly, these experiences support wellbeing, engagement and a sense of belonging – all foundations for longer-term success.
The polytunnel has become a valued, functional workspace within the academy. Students successfully grew tomatoes from seed and used the produce in home cooking lessons, creating meaningful cross-curricular links between horticulture, food technology and healthy living.
More broadly, the foundation’s investment has increased engagement, pride and ownership of the academy environment, offering ongoing opportunities for learning that continue to make a difference every day.
