GARDEN-ER (L1)

The GARDEN-ER (KERT-ÉSZ) (Level 1) programme is an EU-funded project implemented in a primary school in 2018-2021 focusing on the creation and management of an Eco-Garden with the participation of pupils (the project title is a word pun: “ÉSZ” means both “-er” and “reason” in Hungarian). The aim was to develop students' knowledge of food production and processing as well as entrepreneurship and social competences, in line with the needs of the local socio-cultural environment, encouraging environmentally conscious management, resource use and sustainable development. The students experience the joy of working and the responsibility of planning, thus developing their initiative and entrepreneurial skills, economic and financial literacy, responsibility, risk-taking, creativity and technical skills. In years 1 to 4, the programme fosters entrepreneurship competence by immersing young learners in practical, hands-on experiences related to gardening and environmental stewardship. It introduces students to the basics of plant cultivation and garden management, encouraging curiosity, responsibility, and teamwork. By integrating entrepreneurial thinking with environmental education, the programme lays the groundwork for essential life skills, including initiative, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Key Activities and Student Experience

In the early years, students participate in the creation and maintenance of a school eco-garden. Activities include identifying and naming various gardening tools, learning about different plant species, and engaging in the planning and execution of simple gardening tasks through Science, Maths, Life Management and Practical Skills and Visual culture classes as well as informal after-school activities. Outcomes and student work are showcased on a ‘project wall’. Further activities include a project week (Health week) and several competitions. The programme is built on experiential learning, allowing children to observe the growth cycle of plants, understand the importance of environmental care, and experience the satisfaction of nurturing living things. Through these activities, students develop a sense of ownership and pride in their collective achievements, while also learning the value of perseverance and teamwork.

Program Features and Pedagogical Principles

The KERT-ÉSZ programme is grounded in pedagogical principles that prioritise experiential and project-based learning. It encourages students to learn through doing, with a strong emphasis on observation, experimentation, and reflection. The programme promotes environmental awareness and sustainability, integrating these themes into the broader formal school curriculum. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through the learning process while encouraging autonomy and initiative. The programme also incorporates elements of community development, as students often collaborate with peers from different classes and sometimes involve parents or local experts in gardening activities. This holistic approach supports the development of social and emotional skills alongside entrepreneurial competence.

Methodology and Structure

The methodology of KERT-ÉSZ for years 1 to 4 is based on a blend of formal and informal learning experiences. The structure is flexible, allowing teachers to adapt activities to the needs and interests of their students. Lessons are typically organised around seasonal gardening tasks, such as soil preparation, planting, watering, and harvesting. Each activity is designed to be age-appropriate, with clear objectives and opportunities for reflection. The programme uses simple, accessible language and materials, ensuring that all students can participate fully regardless of their prior knowledge or experience. Assessment is formative, focusing on the development of practical skills, teamwork, and personal growth rather than traditional academic metrics. The overall goal is to create a supportive and engaging environment where young students can develop the foundational competences of entrepreneurship in a meaningful and enjoyable way.