Pupils celebrated the opening of the outdoor classroom at Elizabeth College Junior School on Friday 23rd March.
Outdoor learning is a feature of lessons at the Junior School. Funded by the Friends of Elizabeth College Junior School, the new classroom is the perfect location to extend and develop the provision of Outdoor Learning.
Being outdoors is central to children’s enjoyment of childhood and teaches critical life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and creativity. Children thrive in an outdoor environment.
On the day of the opening, pupils from Elizabeth College Junior School enjoyed a special outdoor learning day of activities utilising the new facilities and will take part in a programme designed to challenge and inspire them.
Supported by parent volunteers, teams of pupils which included a member from each year group from Reception to Year 6, undertook challenges such as slacklining and constructing water shoots.
Acting Headteacher Liz Bott said, “Research has shown that Outdoor Learning can improve children’s mental health by encouraging a greater connection with nature. It also teaches valuable life skills such as resilience, determination and cooperation.”
The facility was officially opened by former Headteacher, Jim Walton, now Headmaster of Clifton College Preparatory School in Bristol, who instigated the project.