Outdoor learning centre for school
THE door was opened to a new way of learning as Beech Hall School pupils celebrated the official opening of their new outdoor learning centre.
Macclesfield MP David Rutley joined the children and cut the ribbon to the centre, funded by the Beech Hall Parents’ Association and built to coincide with the school’s new expanded curriculum, the ‘Forest School’, which is aimed at allowing pupils to spend time learning and camping outdoors.
Each week, pupils will take a class outside where they will be helped to get closer to nature.
A host of fun, creative activities are planned to encourage them to explore their imaginations such as building fairy huts using objects they find outside and making camp fires Bear Grylls style to toast marshmallows and barbecue food.
The name for the brand new learning centre was decided after a school competition and the winning name, Beech House, was announced by Mr Rutley during his speech at the opening ceremony.
He said: “Living nearby, I know the good work that goes on at the school. It’s great to see all the pupils so active and interested in the outdoors. Being outside makes a real difference in people’s lives, as it is great for both physical and mental health, so the concept of the Forest School is very innovative.”
Mr Rutley was then given a guided tour of the forest and grounds of Beech Hall by year six pupils Euan Causer, Poppy Jones and Adam Leach.
Headteacher James Allen said: “This is such a fantastic initiative. It’s a great way to get pupils excited about learning in a new way.
“It has really brought the school closer together, with everyone getting involved, and we hope to roll out the Forest School curriculum across all the year groups.”