‘Outdoor classroom’ teaches students practical lessons

Burekup students can begin learning in their new “outdoor classroom” after a new nature playground and garden was officially opened this week.

River Valley Primary School invited author, educator, and parenting and resilience specialist Maggie Dent to its ceremony on Tuesday, where she joined students in cutting the ribbon.

Making the most of the school’s “beautiful environment” and giving students freedom to play among nature were some of the reasons behind principal Vanessa Rodda’s excitement for the opening.

“It’s the opportunity for the kids to gain those life skills that they might not otherwise gain,” Mrs Rodda said.

“They’re going to be able to think clearly and focus in class, they’re going to form those relationships with each other, with adults and relationships with food, which I think is really essential in this day and age.”

Mrs Rodda said the school also planned to utilise the outdoor environment for classes on oral language, reading and writing.

“What we’re focussing on next year is to make very specific links between the curriculum and what we achieve in the garden and just being more determined in our use of it as an outdoor classroom,” she said.

Students had already begun harvesting produce and creating meals with food grown in the garden as part of the school’s Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program, which Mrs Rodda said had been having a profound impact on them eating more vegetables.

“The biggest feedback we get from parents is that their kids are now willing to eat veggies and to me that’s a really big win,” she said.