Do you feel that your grounds give out the best possible messages about the ethos, values and atmosphere of your school?

The walls of your school are bright with pupil's work, the classrooms hum with all sorts of exciting activities, and the school has a great track record of success and achievement. The interior of your school really does credit to the hard work of the staff, parents and children. Can you say the same thing about the outdoor environment that surrounds your school? Is it as stimulating, flexible and exciting as the indoor teaching and learning environment which you provide for your pupils?

Enriching the Curriculum
Some of the most memorable teaching and learning experiences take place in the outdoor environment. Your school grounds can provide a wealth of resources and learning opportunities that would be very difficult to replicate successfully indoors. If lessons remain classroom-bound, there will always be missed opportunities. Being released from the confines of the classroom enables children to work in a very different context, using a diverse range of resources and enjoying the possibility of solving real problems on a much grander scale. Schools that regularly use their grounds as a teaching resource report lots more opportunities to use different teaching and learning styles and a positive impact on pupils self-confidence and self-esteem. Children tell us that things are easier to understand when they are outside and actively involved and learning becomes more fun.

Almost every subject can be enriched through exploring the possibilities of your school grounds. It doesn't have to mean expensive new facilities - just creative use of what you have. How about creating a math trail, which can be used for measuring and problem-solving or designing a mathematical feature such as a maze or number square? Pupils could also work with artists or designers to create objects that are not only beautiful but which perform practical functions such as seating or gates.

A participative approach to the design process encourages group discussion skills; research into ideas for design motivates children to read a range of information texts and the outdoor environment can inspire creative writing of all genres. Many schools have created amphitheatres or storytellers seats to provide rich opportunities for outdoor performance and story telling.

Supporting Positive Behavior
School grounds are one of the few remaining specialist environments provided for children. They are a place where many of us make friends for life and the quality of the experience that we have while in the outdoor environment is really influential in shaping our social and emotional development. Research demonstrates that the use, design and management of school grounds have a deep and lasting impact on children's perception of school and on their behavior and attitudes. In the National School Grounds Survey 2003, 73% of schools surveyed in reported that their school grounds development had improved pupil's behavior and 64% reported a reduction in the frequency of playtime incidents of bullying.

Culture and Community
School grounds can and should celebrate the diversity and range of activities each school offers, the rich mix of backgrounds and cultures that the school represents, the inclusiveness and welcoming nature of the school, and the value placed on everyone who is connected it. In other words, those things that make up the special character of each particular school - its unique identity.

Many schools tell us that one of the best ways to celebrate the diversity of cultures within and surrounding their site is to develop features and stage events in their school grounds. This provides positive visual messages to those who visit the school and helps every pupil to feel valued and celebrated. Involving the staff, parents and pupils in making large-scale art works that reflect local cultures or planting a garden that contains a rich mix of plants and vegetables is a powerful way to tell people about your school. One school wanted the grounds to mirror the diversity of the local population, so parents were invited to share their knowledge of plants from around the world and helped to create a harmonious blend of planting, which the school hopes reflects the whole school community.

Lots of schools use their school grounds projects as a focus for the area they serve through developing a range of initiatives that reach out and involve the local community. Drawing on the expertise of those with gardening or cultural knowledge, creating links with local companies or obtaining support from volunteers forges powerful links between the school and its local community. Some schools have created large-scale art works working with artists in residence or re-designed their school entrance to ensure that it is welcoming while giving clear and positive messages about their particular school.

School grounds are wonderful places for bringing everyone together in a positive way at the heart of their local community.

Source: Learning Through Landscapes

Product Roundup:
School Exterior

Leisure Craft
Leisure Craft, Inc. manufactures a large variety of metal site furnishings and wood furniture built to stand the test of time. On their metal line, they use an eco-friendly thermoplastic coating that is durable, comfortable and comes in 15 beautiful colors. They can personalize the tables, benches and receptacles with your school’s name and logo so that you make a lasting and unique impression. Since they manufacture everything in their North Carolina plant, they have the ability to create custom products to fit your needs.
www.leisurecraftinc.com

Pilot Rock Outdoor Tables
Square outdoor tables offer some distinct design advantages for landscape projects.  Pedestal tables offer a secure, permanent location. The square seating pattern enhances interaction between the students. Top and seat materials include wood, aluminum, recycled plastic and vinyl-coated steel. Up to nine available colors will coordinate with your school’s theme. Wheelchair accessible styles are also available. Designed and manufactured for outdoor public use, these tables will serve your students for many years. The massive central support post and seat support arms create a table structure designed to withstand both use and abuse.
www.pilotrock.com

EPS Plastic Lumber
EPS manufactures and distributes 100% recycled HDPE plastic lumber and park furniture. With a 50-year limited warranty, they guarantee it   won’t splinter and rot like wood. It won’t dramatically fade, stain or delaminate like some composites you find at your local retailer. It simply looks like the furniture you installed, year after year. It is safer, cleaner and longer lasting than anything you can buy locally and is recycled from milk jugs. It comes in seven great colors.
www.EPSPlasticLumber.com