Beechlawn School Completes Forest School Programme

May 1, 2018

Beechlawn School in Hillsborough has successfully completed the Forest School programme using Hillsborough Play Park as an outdoor classroom.

Councillor Rhoda Walker, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee recently presented the pupils of Beechlawn School with their Ranger Award Certificates.

Speaking about their achievement Councillor Walker said: “The pupils embraced the opportunity to learn about their local woodland using the Play Park and had fun during their educational visits to this outdoor classroom.   All Forest Schools activities can be linked directly to the curriculum, therefore allowing teachers to work towards academic targets in a non-classroom environment.  The pupils took part in activities such as a camouflage game with coloured wool, den making with tarpaulins, whittling to make bug hotels, making 3D shapes from natural materials and tree investigations - measuring the height and age of trees.

“In addition to adding fun lessons to the curriculum the use of outdoor classrooms also links to the Council’s objective of promoting biodiversity, health and wellbeing by encouraging people at a young age to connect with nature and look after the natural environment.  Well done Beechlawn, keep up the good work!”

The Forest Schools programme is a great way to encourage schools to consider their local woodlands as a media for learning and is delivered by Northern Ireland Forest School Association (NIFSA) in partnership with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council within its area.

To find out how you can play a part in biodiversity visit: www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/things-to-do/parks-and-open-spaces/biodiversity

For more information on the Forest Schools Initiative visit: http://nifsa.org.uk/