New garden of learning at Sheffield academy

A newly developed garden area within a Sheffield school's grounds is to be transformed in to an outdoor classroom for use over the summer.
Oasis Fir Vale garden classroomOasis Fir Vale garden classroom
Oasis Fir Vale garden classroom

The ethos at Oasis Academy Fir Vale is to understand that each child in school learns best in a different way; some like the structure of the classroom, others the silence of the library, while others prefer to work within groups.

Because it was felt that those who do best by ‘doing’, by being active (and preferably outdoors), the primary school decided to invest in its active learners by installing new garden equipment over the half term holiday.

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Oasis Academy Fir Vale now has its first outdoor classroom and pupils have been busy getting their hands dirty by planting the school’s first crop of carrots, onions, potatoes and a number of different fruit plants.

Work has also begun on a ‘bug house’ where pupils will take part in biology lessons. Here they can learn about various insects and how they live and interact within their local environment. The academy has further ambitions for the outdoor classrooms, with plans in place for log stump seating so that an increased number of lessons can be held outdoors for more pupils.

The Principal of Oasis Academy Fir Vale, Helen Round, said of their new facilities: “We’re delighted to have been able to create this new outdoor learning area for the children where we will be able to give them new experiences and skills that they can use in the future.

“At the academy every child is important and the staff and I are determined that everyone feels included and is inspired to come to school. The new garden classroom will make a big difference to a number of our pupils, many of whom are already developing green fingers!”

Oasis Academy Fir Vale is an inclusive academy in Sheffield for children aged between three and 11, It likes to take an active role in joint projects with the local community.