Garden School

The garden school is a large multi-use area that is constantly changing and developing and is now an established and highly valued teaching space. The area is zoned in order to support the delivery of different aspects of the curriculum.

The zones include:

• a mud kitchen
• a music area
• a poly tunnel
• an outdoor classroom
• an allotment
• a den making area
• a pond

Whilst the school does work towards its own garden school curriculum, the versatility of the outdoors means that any subject could be delivered outside.

All children and staff in school are provided with outdoor wear to ensure that children are learning in all weathers.

The space is highly engaging for children who have the opportunity to learn and apply their skills in a functional way.

Benefits of being outside

The benefits of being outside are well documented and include

• Developing an interest and appreciation in the natural environment
• Learning to care for and respect the natural world
• Investigating and solving real problems
• Working as a team
• Learning how to make safe choices
• Supporting children’s mental health and well-being

In 2019, the school was awarded Green Flag status and given the Eco Schools award. This was an excellent achievement that all of the children were involved with, and which reflects the school’s continued commitment to caring for the environment.

Children at school are taught about the impact of our actions and how we can take responsibility for caring for the spaces around us.