The Secret Garden

Term 6 saw children studying the text of The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett first published in book form in 1911.

It is important for children to access older texts as this helps them become familiar with the style of text they will encounter in GCSE English Language/Literature – should this qualification be appropriate for them.

Children have thoroughly enjoyed reading the text, which coincided with them finding a secret garden on the Glengorse Estate to read in and a visit to Pashley Manor Gardens to carry out a number of curriculum activities; including Maths, Art, Sensory activities and descriptive writing. Children researched the author, carried out analysis of the character of Mary and practiced their Point, Evidence, and Explain writing structure, as well as exploring some of the rich and less used vocabulary in the text.

This culminated with a Speaking & Listening activity, where a quiz was hosted in Community Meeting by some of the children entitled ‘Whose Garden is it Anyway?’, and a fantastic indoor ‘Secret Garden’ display, which also features the school Kindness Tree.