Barry Island Primary School and the local community maintain and enjoy a beautiful garden. Jonathan Singleton of the British Conservation Trust told us that it’s the best school garden he’s ever seen, and we can believe that.

 

 

The site was obtained through grants, gifts from business and from the very generous pupils, families and friends of our school.

 

 

The garden is kept well maintained by garden club, nursery class families, eco club and the whole community (as well as a great gardener or two).  Each class also tends an allotment style raised bed of their own; growing fruit or vegetables that can be harvested and eaten together.

 

 

We have shared the garden with visitors from Maes Dyfan special school, local church groups, our elderly friends in the area- and tourists!

 

 

The garden is used for outdoor learning:

 

 

Outdoor Learning is effective. Research suggests that concepts learned outdoors tend to be more meaningful for a child and are more likely to stay in their long term memories.

 

 

Outdoor Learning makes us “at one” with nature. We are providing access to nature for our pupils in a community where there is really very little green space. They are having opportunities to stop and feel the “awe and wonder” of things like spotting dragonflies at our pond or seeing the clouds change shape.

 

 

Outdoors, everyone can make a valid contribution. Our children are very often simply having fun in a space designed to promote feelings of freedom away from everyday pressures. Members of the community are invited to work in the garden. Our pupils are learning to value individuals regardless of age, race, gender or special needs.

 

 

Outdoor Learning promotes well-being. Self-perception and coping strategies have been shown to benefit from outdoor active learning. Outdoor environments have been found to encourage those children who may lack confidence inside a traditional classroom. Using the trails in particular provides those moments of “I did it!”.

 

 

Do you know someone who’d benefit from being able to tend a garden or just spend time chatting with our wonderful children? Would you be able to help us put names to the wildlife? Anyone you know who’d fancy telling stories or listening to children read? Feel free to drop by—we are always “Together, Learning and Being our Best”