In line with the whole school focus on wellbeing, outdoor learning and biodiversity a much-needed outdoor classroom and garden was created on part of the KS2 field. Foundation Phase continued to grow many flowers and crops; testing out new vegetables.
Mrs Currums led the project along with pupils in KS2. A grant was obtained from The Edina Trust and with support from The North Wales Wildlife Trust. Other teachers supported, for example helping to make the firepit with junior children. Willow was harvested with the younger children from the Foundation Phase gardens and used to create the willow arch in the KS2 garden. Many KS2 children were involved in the whole process from designing and measuring out to digging, creating, planting and establishing the classroom and garden area.
After the last environmental review and pupil consultation it was clear that the junior children missed the garden areas from the foundation phase and wanted similar for their department. Creating a log circle outdoor classroom and developing a garden was added to our action plan.
Some of the crops (from F. Ph and KS2) were eaten in school and the surplus was sold and the profits fed back into the KS2 outdoor classroom for buying further tools. The garden and classroom are open to all KS2 children. Biodiversity has increased – willow planting, perennial flowering plants, vegetables and bug hotel created. The children have carried out some simple surveys and are monitoring this. Well-being has increased and the outdoor classroom days are a highlight of the week for KS2 with challenging behaviour and lower ability children thriving when carrying out tasks outdoors.
We had a celebration day at the end of the school year; decorated the garden and invited all the children to visit and celebrate together. Further willow cuttings have been taken to use in the future, we have built a polytunnel and plan to grow more crops all year round in there and winter vegetables planted outdoors.
The outdoor classroom has been a huge asset to KS2. Anything we teach indoors can be taught outdoors and often in ways that are more enjoyable. Children have learnt to problem solve, make decisions, learn about structures and number concepts. They think about the natural world and use their imagination more when outside. Their learning has really been enhanced by our outdoor area. Mr Harris - Year 6 Teacher, Deputy Head
Mr Harris - Year 6 Teacher, Deputy Head
I think that outdoor classroom is amazing and fun. We do a lot of planting and growing flowers. It was also fun when we planted potatoes and sold them. I really loved the outdoor classroom because Mrs Currums always made it fun. Ellayna - Year 6 Pupil
Ellayna - Year 6 Pupil
I really like our outdoor classroom, especially the polytunnel Lucas - Year 5 Pupil
Lucas - Year 5 Pupil
Our outdoor classroom is a lovely and inspiring place. It inspires us to plant veg in our own gardens. Jake - Year 5 Pupil
Jake - Year 5 Pupil
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