Springfield Primary School, Sunbury has won the prestigious ‘Green Tree Platinum Award’ from the Woodland Trust for planting many trees and hedgerows over the last four years and showing a deep commitment to the conservation of woodlands and their natural habitat in Surrey.
Children at Springfield Primary School have participated in activities such as tree planting, reducing carbon emissions, exploring onsite woodlands and learning about the conservation of their natural habitat. Through their outdoor education, children also learned about biodiversity present within their school grounds and the wider world.
As part of their outdoor learning strategy, Springfield Primary School has recently become a Forest School. This element of the curriculum has further encouraged children to learn through hands-on experiential learning in a natural setting to help develop their confidence and self-esteem.
Ben Davies, Curriculum Leader explained: “Exploring woodlands, gives our pupils the chance to improve mental wellbeing and to be mindful about their surroundings as well as inspiring them to take risks and to be curious about nature. It really helps children to feel energised, happy and calm. We are proud of everyone for the important part they have each played in achieving this award.”
Exploring the outdoors is a key part of the outdoor learning curriculum at the school and a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in the benefits of the great outdoors will continue to be an integral part of their inspirational creative curriculum.