JCB has made a significant contribution to outdoor education at Black Lane Community Primary School in Pentre Broughton, Wrexham, by supporting the expansion of its outdoor forest school. The company donated £745 for the installation of new cooking facilities and an all-weather shelter, enabling students to engage in outdoor learning regardless of weather conditions.
The new facilities include a cooking preparation station and a designated area for outdoor cooking lessons, which take place around a fire pit. This development aims to enhance the educational experience for the school’s 142 pupils, aged three to eleven, allowing them to learn and enjoy nature more effectively.
Impact on Student Engagement and Learning
Beccy Fox, the headteacher at Black Lane Community Primary School, expressed gratitude to JCB for their support. She stated, “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.”
Fox highlighted the importance of the new facilities, noting that they will provide students with opportunities to learn and work safely outdoors throughout the year. She emphasized that learning in nature is crucial, allowing children to develop new skills and engage meaningfully outside the traditional classroom environment.
The forest school program, which was introduced in 2023, holds weekly sessions for all students. It is situated at the bottom of the playground, providing a sheltered wooded area that fosters learning and exploration away from the confines of the classroom.
Encouraging Nature-Based Activities
The initiative encourages children to participate in various nature-based activities, including weaving, whittling, natural art, outdoor cooking, den-making, and bug hunts. By promoting these hands-on experiences, Black Lane Community Primary School aims to instill a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the natural world among its students.
This collaboration with JCB not only reflects the company’s commitment to community engagement but also highlights the growing recognition of outdoor learning’s benefits in educational settings. As schools increasingly embrace this approach, initiatives like the one at Black Lane Community Primary School pave the way for future developments in outdoor education.
This partnership serves as a model for other educational institutions looking to enhance their outdoor programs, demonstrating the lasting impact that community support can have on children’s education and well-being.
