Outdoor Learning Environment

Our Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) is the biggest classroom we have – because not all classrooms have walls. It is made up of a variety of spaces that give our pupils opportunities to experience activities, environments and skills that they may not normally have access to outside of their school day.

The OLE is home to our productive garden, where pupils take part in horticultural activities including growing and harvesting crops to use in their cooking lessons. We have a large, unheated polytunnel, where we grow tomatoes, cucumbers, chillies and sweet peppers. We also have a Kent hop pole garden and a wildlife garden, complete with bug houses, bird feeding stations and a Miyawaki tiny forest.

Our bog garden and decked area were built by our sixth form students as part of their BTEC course and are cared for by work experience students from Grow 19.

Ten dessert apple trees make up our small orchard, where pupils take part in seasonal care of the trees and pick apples to be pressed using our own apple press, turning apples into apple juice on site.

There are lots of paths connecting the different areas of the OLE, including routes through our meadow, where pupils can experience the long grass and wildflowers and spot the many butterflies and other wildlife that visit.

Due to the very nature of an outdoor environment, our work is never complete. The OLE requires ongoing maintenance, providing many opportunities for pupils to develop practical skills and learn about construction. This can range from small woodwork projects to larger-scale projects, such as laying foundations for a new building or taking on an entire project, such as the development of our new wildlife and ecology garden.

FAW Paws Corner

FAW Paws Corner is a small, dedicated therapeutic area designed to provide a calm and nurturing environment for pupils. This quiet space is home to gentle animals that can support emotional regulation, reduce stress and promote a sense of wellbeing.

We currently have four goats and guinea pigs, with visiting ponies also making regular appearances.

Forest School

Our Forest School encompasses two areas: Saplings and FAWrest School. Both allow pupils to use nature as a method of learning and regulation, while developing confidence, independence and practical skills.

Saplings allows pupils to explore new sensory experiences and freely investigate their surroundings. It includes a mud kitchen, where pupils can explore a variety of sensory mediums through messy play, as well as a music zone created using repurposed and recycled materials that were destined for the skip or landfill. The space provides opportunities for pupils to enjoy music while also exploring the importance of sustainability and reducing waste.

FAWrest School has been designed for pupils who are beginning to recognise, understand and balance risks. It helps them develop skills such as using tools safely and, eventually, working with a campfire, barbecue or pizza oven for outdoor cooking.

All of these spaces encourage exploration, creativity and calm, helping pupils to manage anxiety and discover the joy of learning outdoors.

The OLE is cared for by our dedicated staff, pupils and a small team of volunteers who give their time each week to help build and maintain this special space. Together, they create lasting memories and a truly transformative environment that nurtures confidence, wellbeing and a lifelong love of nature.