Can a green view help you do better in exams?

It seems so according to the University of Illinois! At Amberol we believe in the importance of plants and flowers as part of our general health and wellbeing - and now it seems that the University of Illinois agrees with us. In fact, recent research at the University suggests that green spaces can actually improve academic performance! Carried out by the Department of Landscape Architecture, the research concluded that children achieve better at school if they have access to a view with a green landscape. The study involved placing students randomly in three different types of classroom: •Windowless •With a window looking out onto a built space •With a window looking out onto green space To ensure fair testing, each classroom was similar in size, layout and furniture. Researchers found that students did better in tests when they were working in a classroom with a view of a green landscape, rather than a windowless room or a room with a view of built space. Furthermore, results suggested that the students’ capacity to pay attention increased by 13% if there was a green view outside the classroom window. The measurement process included sensors which evaluated stress levels by recording heart rate, skin temperature and skin moisture. Pupils were also asked to rate their mental fatigue and stress by filling out a questionnaire. Amberol’s MD Patience Atkinson-Gregory commented on the University’s findings, saying: “I’m not surprised by the link in wellbeing and having access to a view of green space, but it is interesting how significant the impact appears to be on academic performance. That’s one of the reasons that we work with schools and universities to help bring some colour to environments that can be dominated by concrete and brick.” Amberol work with educational establishments by providing self-watering containers and litter bins for communal areas and gardening groups. Click here to see some suggestions for growing projects at Key Stage One in line with the National Curriculum.

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