Black Lane Community Primary School in Pentre Broughton, Wrexham, has expanded its outdoor learning facilities with support from JCB, a prominent construction equipment manufacturer. The school has introduced new cooking facilities and an all-weather shelter, enabling students to engage in outdoor learning regardless of the weather conditions. JCB contributed £745 to fund a cooking preparation station and the shelter, enhancing the school’s forest school program.
New Facilities Foster Year-Round Learning
The new additions allow students to safely prepare food for outdoor cooking lessons, particularly using the fire pit. Beccy Fox, headteacher at Black Lane Community Primary School, expressed gratitude for JCB’s support, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to JCB for supporting our forest school. Outdoor learning is proven to increase self-esteem by helping introduce children to new experiences and ways to explore the world around them.”
Fox emphasized that the enhancements will significantly impact the children’s learning experiences, providing opportunities to explore and acquire new skills outside the traditional classroom environment. The school aims to offer all 142 pupils, aged three to eleven, regular outdoor learning experiences.
Engaging Children with Nature-Based Activities
At Black Lane Community Primary School, children participate in various nature-based activities, including weaving, whittling, natural art, outdoor cooking, den building, and bug hunts. The forest school program, which was established last year, hosts weekly sessions for all students. Located at the bottom of the playground, the forest school features a wooded area, shelter, and learning facilities away from the conventional classroom setup.
These initiatives not only promote environmental awareness but also foster creativity and teamwork among students. The collaboration with JCB illustrates a commitment to enhancing educational facilities and supporting the development of young learners in Wrexham.
This development highlights the importance of outdoor learning in education, encouraging children to engage with their surroundings and learn valuable life skills in a natural setting.
