Environmental Learning

Our Nature area and Eco Club.

Our school nature area has developed during the last year. We now have area to grow a variety of different plants, a wildlife insect attracting area, a recycled storage shed, an evolving outdoor classroom, a fruit area, raised vegetable beds and a meandering path which leads all who enter on a magical and eye-opening journey.

This area has been developed as a result of the hard work of Friends who have donated to the cause; families from the school community who have helped with tree- work, donating materials e.g. tree stumps, bark chips and tyres as well as giving time on a Sunday morning; the school caretakers Kevin and Chris as well as the school eco-club. The club included class representatives from years 4-6. It  regularly meets on  a Friday lunchtime to garden, sow seeds, plant, weed and to create recycled products. We are hoping to develop a pumpkin and courgette area this year to create autumn colour, produce and wonder! We are also hoping to build a greenhouse, create a bird hide and to rediscover the pond which has become a little forlorn.

We have already planted lettuce, radish, mangetout and nasturtium seeds and we are taking part in The Big Seed Project, having already taken part in Energy Saving Fortnight and the RSPB Big Bird Watch.

Click here to find out more about our eco club activities

Environmental Education

We encourage the use of our wonderful outdoor space as well as our nature area for creative learning opportunities across the curriculum.

We also take year 5 to Tyntesfield (a local National Trust site) annually to take part in the IEE Earth Keepers programme level 1. This is a 3 day course which incorporates active hands-on learning about our world alongside encouraging individuals to take greater interest and responsibility in the environment in which they live and will grow up.

Our annual report for the IEE (US)

Earth keepers UK -High Down Junior School England

90 children participated in the Earth Keepers Level 1 programme last year when we utilised the National Trust site of Tyntesfield. This year a further 90 children have been immersing themselves in nature and learning about how they can have a part to play in supporting our planet. They have been enjoying the beautiful grounds of the National Trust property and were well supported by the Trust and enthusiastic parent volunteers. Activities at Tyntesfield were followed up by the children at school and home to achieve gaining their KEYS creating great immediate and long term learning memories which will hopefully play a small part in helping the future of our fragile environment.

Environmental Gallery