Forge Wood takes studies outside

Children of all ages at Forge Wood Primary were excited to take their studies outside and explore the school’s new outdoor learning area.

“To deliver our aim to inspire, explore and achieve, we have been developing our outdoor learning provision,” explained Year 3 teacher Danny Jackson, who designed the project.

“Last year we added to our Forest School area with children growing fruit and vegetables outdoors in our raised planters. This was a huge success and allowed us to identify other areas of our site where we could develop.”

A section of the school field has become an ‘outdoor classroom’, complete with three-metre blackboard. Other features include an arched, walk-through willow corridor, a shade-providing pergola, a planter with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, and a small orchard of pear, cherry, apple and plum trees. 

There is also a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and the ‘River of Hope’ installation, which is made from pebbles which have each been hand-painted by a child at the school. The area, which is at the front of the school, was completed over a weekend and opened to the children on 20 April.

“Thank you for giving us such a beautiful space to use,” said Lilly in Year 3, while Anneka in Year 6 said: “This is a really cool space. I can’t wait to use the chalkboard to draw.”

Mr Jackson continued: “Our Wider Curriculum Lead for Forge Wood Primary School campaigned alongside our PTA Friends of Forge Wood to raise crucial funds to develop an effective outdoor learning environment that teachers could use with ease all year round. A huge thank you to all our volunteers and, of course, PTA Friends of Forge Wood, for their continued support that truly develops our community spirit.”