Gade Valley build up to even more outdoor learning.

We were very pleased to give an award to Gade Valley Primary School (Hemel Hempstead) to help them set up a “Builder’s Yard” in their outdoor learning environment.  The grant will be used to buy such exciting things as 75 hollow blocks and boards and a mini skip!  Daniel Barron (Headteacher) explained the project:

“The money would purchase building resources that pupils could use in lessons, lunch times and focused group work to create scaled structures. We envisage that all pupils from EYFS, KS1 and KS2 would make use of the equipment and collaboratively use their creativity, motor skills, and resilience with their building projects. The resources would be housed in a purpose built shed in the famous CHAMP Village est. 2019.”

Gade Valley are obviously big fans of outdoor learning and Daniel went on to argue for the learning benefits of this addition to their outdoor environment:

“…develop their engineering skills to build the structures; develop their teamwork skills as for the more ambitious projects pupils would have to work collaboratively; develop their resilience as some projects could be challenging; develop their motor skills as they will have to lift and put pieces together; and develop their creativity to design structures.

The resource is very inclusive and would benefit all ranges of pupils in the school - SEN, higher ability and pupil premium.”