Activate Learning SEND students celebrate greening project at Oxford Parkway Station

Activate Learning celebrated the launch of an ongoing project designed to transform the green space at Oxford Parkway railway station on Monday 9 March.  

In partnership with Chiltern Railways, this sustainable project sees learners on the education group’s Preparation for Internship Programme (PIP), which develops the personal independence and life skills of adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, transforming the station’s green space into a garden.

The project is one of 11 schemes funded through Chiltern Railway’s Community Investment Fund, which supports social, economic and environmental improvements across its rail network.

Through practical work with plants and environmental design led by an expert team from Blenheim Palace, learners will develop travel skills and gardening knowledge while creating a cleaner, more inviting space for passengers and the wider community.

At the event, representatives from Activate Learning, Chiltern Railways and Blenheim Palace gathered alongside students from City of Oxford College and University Centre, Banbury and Bicester College and The Leys College.

A ribbon was cut and speeches given by Tina Castle, Group Learning Company Manager at Activate Learning, Hannah Thomas, Group Director of The Leys College at Activate Learning, and Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways.

Gary Headland DL, CEO at Activate Learning, said: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Chiltern Railways on this transformative project at Oxford Parkway station.

“This student-led transformation of the station’s green space into a welcoming garden is a perfect example of how we create meaningful, real-world opportunities for young people at Activate Learning.

“With expert guidance from Blenheim Palace, our learners will have the opportunity to work hands-on with plants, landscaping and environmental design, while developing valuable independence and travel skills during this sustainable project.

“We’re excited to see our students grow in confidence as they help transform Oxford Parkway into an oasis of calm that benefits both passengers and the wider community.”

Tina Castle, Group Learning Company Manager at Activate Learning, and Project Lead, said:

 “I’m thrilled to be leading this important project at Oxford Parkway station. Learners with SEND, who often face limited opportunities, have and will continue to gain meaningful real-world experience in a supportive and inclusive environment.

“This hands-on involvement will help them build confidence, independence, communication and employability skills — equipping them with practical tools and self-belief that can open doors to further training, work, and greater participation in their community.”

Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways, said: 

“Community work is crucial for the railway, our local areas and customers who travel through our stations every day.

“I am delighted that our partnership with Activate Learning will ensure students from the region gain valuable experience enhancing Oxford Parkway and the vital work on the station’s green areas will be viewed by our customers for many years to come.”

Learn more about PIP programmes at Activate Learning and local college community projects.

ENDS

Images 

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