Outdoor Learning Days

In the interests of capturing more data for our school map, we opted to conduct some fieldwork based on the species, distribution, and abundance of medicinal plants on our magnificent campus.

Who better to inspire the children than the well-renowned herbalist, Dr Elliot Ndlovu? Having exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show (where he met the late Queen Elizabeth II), the Oscar Awards, and in Italy, Dr Ndlovu’s passion for responsible cultivation and harvesting of plants and bulbs shone through strongly.

Armed with advice, and inspired by Dr Ndlovu’s example, our intrepid children took to the campus in search of medicinal plants, including Aloe Ferox, Lavender, Wild Dagga (don’t worry, we told them it wasn’t that type!), Yarrow, Eucalyptus, Oak (yes, it has medicinal properties!), Geranium and Moss, to name a few.

With fact sheets and a good map as weaponry, a happy few hours were spent ferreting about on the campus, and with wonderful success! Species locations will be captured electronically, and added to our database as soon as possible

As an aside, there was a slight moment of panic when a group of Grade 7 girls found the most unusual (non-medicinal) plant – an example of the Anemone Stinkhorn. While it sounds like something from the mind of Roald Dahl or David Walliams, the Anemone Stinkhorn is a real thing! Suitably intrigued, the girls launched their own research into the plant, presenting their findings to the Grade and 6 budding botanists at our debrief. Pictures may not do the plant justice… go on, give it a Google. You won’t be disappointed.

We continue to expose our children to the wonder and (sometimes hidden) beauty of our campus in the hope that they will continue to uphold the traditions of appreciating and exploring our natural world at every opportunity, no matter where they might be…