Hexham Middle School

Hydroponics at HMS!

At Hexham Middle School we are keen to develop a growing awareness of sustainability especially given the exciting juncture of a new school build on the horizon. In looking forward, there is an intention to develop greater curiosity amongst our pupils making them more inquisitive of the world we live, work and play in.

This application ties in with plans to develop our existing curriculum model, so that we can embrace and prioritise, a sound knowledge base and understanding of sustainable development practices. Hexham is a historic town set within the rural Tynedale valley, in Northumberland. Agriculture has played a part of its past and could be a significant contributor to its economic future. A number of our pupils on roll derive from farming backgrounds and intend to follow in their parents’ foot steps.

If successful, funds will be used to support a working and practical knowledge of hydro, and ultimately, aeroponic technology; making a system that can be used both within lessons as well as during extra curricular activities. The school already has a greenhouse and a group of pupils (The New Buds Quad Squad) whom intend to start growing their own crops using traditional soil based methods. This project will help pilot a system, to educate about hydroponics, and be used to support subjects such as food technology, geography, design technology, science and mathematics. The long term plan would be to incorporate an automated system and involve the computing curriculum.