Inspired by the theme of natural light, artist Sara Heywood and students across all year groups at Thomas Buxton Primary School worked together to transform the school’s Secret Garden.

“It really has been a wonderful project, and the result is just stunning! We couldn’t have wished for more.” Headteacher 

Commissioned by the school to celebrate members of the school community who had been lost in recent years, Sara worked with students across Reception to Year 6, to design a Greenhouse for a quiet area of the school playground. The installation draws on themes of nature, planting, nurturing and growth.

Shaped by the young people’s ideas, the Greenhouse is a space to explore, sit and wonder – a space for joy but also reflection. It is decorated by artwork, objects and audio elements created in the workshops with students.

“I liked the games with photographs and storytelling with pictures.” Student

Students explored a range of analogue photographic processes, including cyanotypes and lumen prints, building on the school’s wider focus on photography. This creative exploration was enriched through literacy activities incorporating poetry, words and phrases generated by students, alongside digital photography capturing significant moments and spaces within the rhythms of the school day.

The final installation has created a lasting sanctuary for reflection and wellbeing that celebrates the people, relationships and memories that are most cherished within the school community.  

“I have learnt that you use your imagination in almost everything.” Student