Grounds for Science Case Studies
Harberton Special School,
Belfast
Harberton Special School has developed a sensory garden in their school grounds. It is now an inviting environment that teachers can make much more use of for outdoor learning. There is a wide range of topics including ‘The Garden,’ ‘Birds, Bugs and Beasts,’ and ‘New Life.’ Creating the sensory garden became a whole school project where both staff and pupils got fully involved in developing this stimulating environment. It allowed everyone to take responsibility for their own school grounds and make improvements to enhance teaching and learning.
St Bede's Primary School,
Sunderland
St Bede's Primary School has created a Forest School area in the school grounds. The school used the Edina Trust grant to purchase tools that the children can use, which has allowed them to get outside and learn about nature, as well as develop their self-confidence. The school has used recycled materials from its own suppliers to craft a hedgehog house, a bug hotel, a fire pit, raised beds, and more. The school now uses the outdoor area for teaching all year round, even in the snow!
West Park Primary School,
Hartlepool
West Park Primary have developed the school's grounds to allow teachers to take the class out and learn outside. The school has a bird and pond area, which includes a hedgehog house, and they have created a woodland trail for the children to explore. Teaching resources are packed into trugs which the class can take out and contain everything needed for an activity.