Södra Wood, in
partnership with Lawsons builders’ merchants and award-winning Adventure
Playground Engineers (APES), has helped build a timber treehouse classroom for
Morgans Primary School and Nursery.
The facility was
officially opened during a ceremony in early March.
Morgans, a two-form
entry primary school with a nursery in Hertford, believes that every pupil
should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of
learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or
circumstances. A purpose-built
timber outdoor classroom was seen as central to achieving this.
Timber itself is
strongly linked to numerous wellbeing benefits, from increasing learning rates
and concentration levels to improving test results and attendance. Evidence
also shows that nature can be an effective way to nurture all pupils regardless
of their needs.
Morgans firmly
believes that sometimes the best way to get the most out of the classroom is to
leave it and take learning outside. They feel this results in happier,
healthier, and more well-rounded students. Higher levels of motivation, greater
independence, improved attitudes to learning, and greater enjoyment and
achievement are just some of the benefits Morgans expects to see as a result of
this outdoor timber classroom.
Mrs Alis Rocca,
Headteacher at Morgans Primary School and Nursery explains: “Not only will this
outdoor classroom offer more varied opportunities and help stimulate learning,
but it will also act as a springboard for imagination, pupil development and a better
understanding of the world.
"This facility will be a very special place for
children to speak and listen, share ideas, debate and learn. We’re thrilled
with it and look forward to seeing how the children at Morgans (and those that
pass through in years to come) take advantage of the many benefits it offers.”
Paul Sexton,
Lawsons’ Managing Director, describes how the project was brought to life:
“Morgans approached us, shared an image of a small treehouse, and asked whether
we could help. We said we’d love to and set our sights on much more than a
treehouse.
"We wanted to create a purpose-built outdoor classroom that will help
make a real difference. We approached Nigel at Södra Wood - our long-term
timber supply partner - and asked for their help with the timber, and then we
teamed up with Adventure Playground Engineers (APES) to help design and build
the classroom.”
Nigel Buckley-Ryan,
Sales Director, Merchants, at Södra Wood, commented: “We’re delighted to have
helped out with this project. It’s wonderful to see schools like this
implementing innovative projects for the benefit and wellbeing of its pupils.
It’s also another brilliant example of the versatility and wellbeing benefits
of wood.
"Not only is this treehouse multi-faceted and awesome to look at, but
timber structures tend to have a calming effect on people. The use of timber
also has the added advantage of being good for the environment.
"Morgans and its
pupils can rest assured that the timber used for their treehouse will have
really benefited the environment during its 50-70 years as a tree.”
