The Innovative New Junior School Outdoor Learning Areat

 

 

On the first day of the term, our Junior School pupils were beyond excited to be greeted with a newly designed and freshly built sensory garden and play area. The excited voices of the children bubbled up and rang out across the school fields as all pupils (from Year 2 through to Year 6) tested, climbed, and explored each activity. The joy on their faces was clear to see and their enjoyment and creativity are renewed each day.

Our new Junior School playground has been designed to not only provide a fun and safe environment for pupils to play in but also to develop their character, physical, curiosity, social skills and values. The playground encourages pupils to continue to demonstrate the school values through play and interactions with their peers. For instance, pupils are encouraged to work together to complete challenges and tasks, helping each other along the way. 

The playground also has seating areas where pupils can sit if they are feeling lonely or in need of a friend. This provides an opportunity for other pupils to show kindness by inviting them to play or talk. The play area provides opportunities for pupils to practice courage by taking risks and trying new things. For instance, pupils can challenge themselves on the balancing poles or by completing the rope obstacle course. 

In the Junior School assembly, a short video filmed by the teachers was shown to introduce pupils to the rules of using the outdoor learning area, explaining what are " dos " and what are "don'ts", and how to enjoy the outdoor classroom safely.

The pupil's learning is so enriched and supported by opportunities to explore and express themselves in outdoor spaces. We are thrilled to have this wonderful space and for learning to be extended further. The games invented, using a combination of the new equipment and the new learning toys, make the sensory garden and play area a fantastic extension of the skills that are taught inside the classrooms. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to providing our students with the best possible learning environment in every area, and its benefits will be seen throughout the day, both inside and outside the classroom.