Waste ground turned into outdoor learning space at academy
ECO CLUB BUILDS TWO PONDS, BUG HOTEL AND SEATING
ENTHUSIASTIC eco-volunteers at Beacon Academy in Cleethorpes have turned waste ground into an impressive outdoor learning space.
The students, supported by staff, have built two ponds, completed landscaping and put in a seating area for fellow students to enjoy.
Wellspring Academy Trust chief executive Mark Wilson officially opened the area, close to the school’s main entrance and seen by every visitor.
Beacon Academy headteacher Jason Thurley said it was just one project tackled by the academy’s Eco Club.
“They are a committed, enthusiastic group who have been supported by staff,” he said.
“The outdoor learning space is a fantastic addition. They have created a really impressive place through coming to the after-school club on a Thursday and working on it in their Easter holidays.
“The Eco Group has been really busy. Its members have also been litter picking in the community, at the shops on Sandringham Road, in Weelsby Woods and on the seafront.”
Eco Club joint leader Megan, 14, said: “We had a lot of ideas. “We want to create an environment that is better for wildlife and a pleasing area for everybody who comes to the school.”
The other leader Ash, 14, was proud of what they had achieved.
“We thought originally about the outdoor space then kept adding things to it. The pond is a really calm area for people to enjoy.”
Group member Olivia, 12, felt it “really good” for the academy.
“It helps the environment. A bug hotel has been created that will help attract other wildlife and I love the pond with its fish.
“Students and staff can sit here during lunch and lessons will be taught in the space.”
Twelve-year-old Lily was “really happy” with it.
“Hopefully, it will encourage everybody to keep the space and school environment cleaner.”
Megan had further plans to create a more eco-friendly school next year.
Science teacher Amber le Bon led the group with colleague Jackie Giagnacovo.
“We would like to thank Mr Thurley and the Trust for their support,” she said. “It’s one thing coming up p with ideas, but another having them backed. We have plans for a uniform exchange programme next year, so we are helping the environment and families who struggle to pay for new uniform.
“We will be looking at plastic waste, in particular single use plastic. And we have plans to extend the garden and add to the biodiversity, with bird boxes and a hedgehog home.”
CEO Mark was impressed by their efforts.
“This is absolutely brilliant and I’d like to thank the eco team, teaching and estates staff who have made it happen,” he said.
“It’s important to me we create greener spaces across the Trust, leading to the most beautiful and engaging environment we can for our students and staff.
“Encouraging wildlife will help the planet and humans. This piece of work is an exemplar for what we can create elsewhere and is a centre piece for our greener spaces initiative.
“You guys can inspire other schools to do the same with outdoor settings. It’s a powerful and important piece of work and wouldn’t it be terrific for you guys to see echoes of this initiative elsewhere across the Trust?”.