New outdoor learning environment unveiled at Bishop’s Stortford College Pre-Prep.
A new outside learning environment for pupils at Bishop’s Stortford College Pre-Prep has been unveiled this week.
Development of the Early Years Foundation Stage at the Bishop’s Stortford College Pre-Prep began back in 2015, with a need to create an outside area that was an enabling environment for pupils incorporating 4 key areas: a quiet space; a growing natural area; an area for investigative sand, water and mud play; and an area for physical play and construction.
In the Spring of 2021, 4 companies were invited to produce a design that would embrace all of these different features. The design from Pentagon Play, an award-winning design company of outdoor learning environments for schools and nurseries, was selected by the Pre-Prep team.
The design incorporates several zones and various types of playground and learning equipment all chosen to reflect and enhance pupils’ early development. A creation zone, featuring playhouses, quiet spaces and a construction area, enables pupils to create pupil and adult-initiated projects. Alongside this space is a water wall with interconnecting pipes and tubes and another large playhouse which includes sandpits, pulley systems and a conveyer belt with a chute. Pupils have access to climbing apparatus to further challenge their physical development, as well as a wobbly bridge which leads into the wild area, where the pupils will investigate minibeasts and plants.
The new learning environment will provide opportunities for pupils to develop their own play and independent exploration. The Pre-Prep staff will also provide pupils with scaffolds to assist their learning by thinking, discussing and planning ahead. The resources and equipment of the new area enable pupils to actively learn, play, explore, create and think critically; the characteristics of effective learning. Pupils will be encouraged to ‘have a go’, focus and concentrate on a task as well as learning to enjoy their achievements.
Head of Pre-Prep, Belinda Callow, commented, “The Pre-Prep is a magical learning environment, where the children are nurtured and are safe to investigate, explore and discover. The high-quality teaching and learning is enhanced by well-resourced classrooms and an amazing teaching team. We are so pleased to now have an outside play area that reflects this excellence in the classroom. What a fantastic environment for children to develop, creating a wonderful foundation on which to blossom on their learning journey.
Families interested in finding out more about the Pre-Prep are invited to attend the College’s Pre-Prep Open Morning on Saturday 23rd April. Registrations can be made in advance through the College website, www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/187/admissions-and-open-mornings.