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The Project
As part of our school’s long-term sustainability strategy, we established a new green privacy hedge at our outdoor classroom. The hedge consists exclusively of native shrubs that strengthen local ecosystems, support biodiversity, and improve the microclimate of the school grounds. The project was implemented in cooperation with external horticultural experts and embedded directly into our educational environment.
The initiative was driven by the belief that sustainability education must move beyond theory and become tangible. By transforming part of the school grounds, we aimed to create a living learning space where students experience environmental responsibility firsthand and understand their ability to actively shape a sustainable future.
Students actively participated in the complete planting process, including soil preparation, correct planting techniques, and post-planting care. The activity took place outdoors during regular school hours and combined practical environmental work with experiential learning. Professional guidance ensured ecological accuracy while allowing students to take real responsibility for the outcome.
More details
The native shrubs were provided through the climate protection program of the District of Düren, “1000 Hedges and Trees for the District of Düren.” Additional support was provided by our school’s support association, which funded refreshments for the participating students. External expertise was contributed by a local horticultural business, strengthening the project through community cooperation.
A structurally and ecologically valuable hedge was successfully planted, creating a natural boundary and enhancing the outdoor classroom both visually and functionally. The project was completed efficiently, collaboratively, and with high student engagement, resulting in immediate visible improvement of the school environment.
The initiative has had a lasting ecological and educational impact. Ecologically, it contributes to biodiversity, climate resilience, and habitat creation. Educationally, it fostered environmental awareness, teamwork, and responsibility. The project has also strengthened the school community and demonstrated the power of local partnerships in achieving sustainable goals.
Students were not passive participants but key drivers of the initiative. They engaged physically, collaboratively, and reflectively, gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship. Their enthusiasm and commitment were central to the project’s success.
- Students
- Teachers
- Other
The hedge will serve as a long-term learning resource and will be integrated into future lessons on ecology, sustainability, and climate action. Further green projects are planned to expand the outdoor classroom concept and to continue empowering students as active contributors to environmental change.
The School
- Upper secondary education