Growing Together: Celebrating The Garden at John Spence Community High School
We're shining a light on some of the incredible social action projects taking place in schools across the country, led by young people taking part in our Set for Success programme.
At the heart of John Spence Community High School is The Garden, a special outdoor space surrounded by trees, benches and memorial plaques. Thanks to the enthusiasm, creativity and determination of a group of young people taking part in our Set for Success programme, this much-loved space is now flourishing once again.
Set for Success is an intensive youth leadership initiative, funded by the Wimbledon Foundation in partnership with Barclays and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust. The programme supports young people at risk of not fulfilling their full potential, helping them develop the skills, confidence and leadership qualities to make a positive difference in their communities.
As part of the programme, pupils are encouraged to identify opportunities to create meaningful change through social action projects.
From neglected space to community garden
When the young people first saw before-and-after photographs of The Garden, they were shocked by its condition and motivated to do something about it.
Working together, they developed ideas for how the space could be transformed. As part of their communication module, they even created a video to share their vision, raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
But they didn't stop at planning. The team rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in, weeding, tidying, litter picking and clearing the space to bring their ideas to life.
Recognising that lasting change takes a community effort, the young people also reached out beyond the school gates. Through emails, social media and even an appearance on their local BBC radio station, they encouraged local people to support their project.
Their enthusiasm clearly struck a chord. Eight community volunteers have now come forward to help maintain and care for The Garden, demonstrating the power of young people to bring people together around a shared goal.
Creating a legacy for the future
One special addition to The Garden is a sycamore sapling, supplied through the National Trust's Sycamore Gap project. Planted in memory of a friend of the school who sadly passed away, the tree represents a living tribute that will grow for generations to come.
The project is also creating opportunities to learn new skills and make connections between the environment, sustainability and healthy lifestyles.
Using seeds from their first harvest, the team launched a pumpkin-growing competition, giving others across the school the opportunity to get involved. Vegetables grown in The Garden have also been used to prepare a meal of the day in the school canteen, helping pupils see how growing food can connect directly with healthy eating and sustainability.
Looking ahead, they hope to expand the flower beds, rebuild the scarecrows and provide additional seating so that more pupils and staff can enjoy the space.
Young people making a difference
The Garden is now much more than an outdoor space. It is a testament to what young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to turn their ideas into action.
Through Set for Success, the pupils at John Spence Community High School have developed their leadership and communication skills, strengthened connections with their local community and created something that will benefit others for years to come.
We'd like to say a huge thank you to the teaching staff at John Spence Community High School for sharing this wonderful update with us. It's fantastic to see the progress of the project and the enthusiasm, creativity and determination of the young people involved.
Their story is a brilliant example of social action in practice, showing how young people can make a lasting difference to the places and communities around them.
Find out more
Discover more about our Set for Success programme and how it is helping young people build confidence, develop leadership skills and realise their potential.