Last week we welcomed the Chair of Durham County Council, Joan Nicholson, alongside Independent councillors Paul Sexton and Bill Moist, and former councillor Alan Bainbridge, to our school to explore our remarkable Mindful Garden. This serene oasis, made possible through grants from councillors Paul Sexton and Alan Bainbridge in 2021, has become a source of pride and tranquility for our school community.
Joan Nicholson, a passionate horticulturist, showed particular interest in the herb garden and flower beds, observing how our students interacted with these natural elements as they employed grounding techniques to heighten their senses and foster mindfulness.
The Mindful Garden serves many purposes, including providing a serene setting for one-to-one counseling sessions, facilitating mindfulness practices like meditation and mindful walking, offering a safe haven for self-regulation, and serving as a peaceful space for students to enjoy during break and lunch times. Students have played an active role in planting and nurturing the garden, and they have used it as the backdrop for charity events and staff gatherings.
We hope to secure further funding to expand and enhance this area which is so popular with everyone in school. We extend our gratitude to our special guests for taking a keen interest in this little corner of greenery that has flourished within our school grounds.