Young students at Black Lane Community Primary School in Pentre Broughton are set to benefit from enhanced outdoor learning experiences, thanks to a generous donation from JCB. The company contributed £745 to the school, which has allowed for the construction of new cooking facilities and an all-weather shelter. This initiative aims to expand the school’s outdoor forest school program, allowing more children to engage in nature-based learning regardless of weather conditions.
The new cooking preparation station and shelter will provide a safe environment for students to learn outdoor cooking skills, including lessons that utilize a fire pit. According to Beccy Fox, headteacher at Black Lane Community Primary School, the school’s commitment to outdoor education plays a significant role in fostering self-esteem and encouraging students to explore their surroundings.
Fox expressed gratitude towards JCB, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to JCB for supporting our forest school. Outdoor learning is proven to increase self-esteem by helping introduce children to new experiences and ways to explore the world around them.” She emphasized that the new facilities will significantly enhance the educational opportunities available to students.
The initiative reflects Black Lane Community Primary School’s goal to provide outdoor learning experiences for its 142 pupils aged three to eleven years. The school promotes a variety of nature-based activities, including weaving, whittling, and natural art, alongside outdoor cooking, den making, and bug hunts.
Located at the bottom of the playground, the forest school was introduced last year and offers a wooded area complete with shelter and learning facilities. Each week, every child participates in sessions designed to immerse them in nature and facilitate hands-on learning experiences.
By expanding its outdoor learning facilities, Black Lane Community Primary School is not only enhancing its curriculum but also ensuring that students have the tools to learn in a dynamic and engaging environment. The support from JCB exemplifies a commitment to community development and the importance of outdoor education in children’s growth.
