Development

Project Development 

The basis of the Project is three fold: pupils have a right to learn away from the confines of the classroom; if outdoor learning and education expertise is available then they should not be denied it; encourage enthusiasm in all outdoor learning which will have a positive knock-on effect upon classroom learning.

The aims, however, are to develop a thirst for an understanding, at KS2, of the interdependence of the natural world on the Merrylands Primary School site, with everything outdoors being not just linked to, but inextricably bound up with classroom studies, and teach some of the foundational skills to appreciate wilderness; the latter is not incidental.

A large proportion of the life skills part of the Project involves the development of personal and corporate responsibility on behalf of the pupils, especially in the teaching and learning of genuine teamwork. What we as a Project Management Team [ Headteacher, B.J.Howard, T. Robinson plus Yr. 3, 4,  5 & 6 teachers ] want to achieve is a project which provides education in such a 'bombarding' way that every pupil finds their own 'niche-enthusiasm' and works with more and different people within their own class, developing listening skills, memory skills, perhaps leadership qualities, and those of personal organisation, planning, and decision making.

A tall order for KS2 in a busy suburban school with a full timetable and curriculum then? Absolutely, but the pupils are engaged, and we have all their attention now. There is still a place for excitement in learning, and all the ingredients mentioned above are in the school 'pot' to produce something that will be educationally meaningful, equipping our young children to handle the forthcoming KS3 curriculum with more confidence and interest.

Pre-Project launch Open Evening. The photo on the right was taken in the classroom.

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