Corporate Volunteers Help Transform Outdoor Space at The PRIDE Academy 

Staff from two of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust’s valued corporate partners rolled up their sleeves this week to help improve the outdoor environment at The PRIDE Academy. 

Five volunteers from Arcadis and two from Affinity joined staff and students for an afternoon of gardening, planting and tidying, helping to create a more welcoming and engaging outdoor space for learners to enjoy. 

Despite temperatures reaching a scorching 31°C, the team worked tirelessly, planting two olive trees, removing weeds, filling recycled tyres with compost to create a new herb garden and planting bulbs for future seasonal colour. New rosemary, bay and flowering plants were also added to the area, helping to bring the space to life. The project was made possible thanks to grant funding, which provided gardening tools, plants and other materials needed to improve the space. 

The volunteer day forms part of a wider programme of activities being coordinated by the Fundraising Team and supports the early ambitions of an exciting new initiative for Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust focused on creating inclusive, biodiverse outdoor environments where learners can thrive. Watch this space! 

Sarah-Jane (SJ) Head of Fundraising for Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust  

“Our corporate partners play a vital role in helping us create opportunities that go beyond the classroom. Days like this bring people together to make a lasting difference for our students, while also supporting our wider vision of developing accessible outdoor spaces that promote wellbeing, learning and independence. We are incredibly grateful to everyone from Arcadis and Affinity who gave their time and energy to support The Pride Academy.” 

Reece Nicholls, Principal, The PRIDE Academy 

“Our students gain so much from spending time outdoors, whether that’s developing practical skills, building confidence or simply enjoying a calm space to learn and socialise. Seeing the garden transformed in a single day was fantastic, and Corey was especially proud to be involved in the project. We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers from Arcadis and Affinity for helping create a space that will benefit our students moving forward.” 

Team Arcadis – “As architects and urbanists, we truly understand the benefits of biophilic design on wellbeing and learning, and having worked with OHC&AT for many years, we were delighted to support this fantastic project and help create an outdoor environment that will inspire learning and wellbeing.” 

 Jack Davies, Principal Account Manager at Affinity Partnerships “It was a pleasure to support The PRIDE Academy in transforming its outdoor space into a more engaging and inclusive environment for students. We’re proud to have played a part in creating a space that can be used for learning and social interaction.”