Student Support Services

Year 7 PEAK - Sensory Garden

From Imagination to Creation

What started as a collection of creative ideas has blossomed into something special! Last term, our Year 7 PEAK students explored how the environment can influence our health, wellbeing and ability to self-regulate. Their challenge was to design an ideal sensory garden that would provide a welcoming space for students to relax, recharge and connect with nature.

After developing their individual designs, students worked together to combine their favourite ideas into one ultimate sensory garden. Their creativity, thoughtful planning and understanding of how sensory experiences can support wellbeing have been wonderful to see.

Last week, despite the rainy weather, students brought their vision to life with the help of Mr Woodill’s Duke of Edinburgh students and Chappy Kristen.

Located around the water tank and surrounding planter beds, the garden has been thoughtfully divided into areas that engage different senses:

Sound and Touch: Facing the Leadership Training Centre (LTC), this peaceful space features a water fountain, pebbles, ornamental grasses, succulents and a miniature Zen sand garden, offering opportunities to explore different textures and enjoy calming sounds.

Sight and Smell: Facing the main school, this colourful garden features marigolds, snapdragons, lavender, kangaroo paws, native violets and daisies, creating a beautiful mix of colours and fragrances.

Taste: Near the sheds and planter boxes, students have planted herbs, vegetables, strawberries and lemons, providing opportunities to explore growing and harvesting fresh produce.

The learning extended beyond gardening, too! Students rolled up their sleeves to help build workbenches and shelving for the garden shed, making the space practical and organised for future use. Along the way, they developed valuable skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving and decision-making, while exploring sustainability and companion planting.

A big thank you to Leanne Lind, who generously helped throughout the day, as well as the staff who came along to lend a hand and show interest in the students’ work. The students loved sharing their ideas and explaining what they were creating, making communication another valuable part of the learning experience.

While the sensory garden is still a work in progress, we are incredibly proud of what our Year 7 PEAK students have achieved. We look forward to watching it grow into a welcoming space where students and staff can pause, relax, learn and flourish.

A wonderful example of our students Thinking Big, Stepping Up and Paying It Forward!