to splash and have fun, and an interactive educational resource to support scientific studies and collaboration. In addition, the arching willow stems create living tunnels and dens, while wildflower beds are an attractive invitation to wildlife such as bees, birds, and butterflies. “The obstacle course promotes physical development, and safe risk taking – all whilst building courage and resilience,” says Esther. “The water investigation area has many elements such as an Archimedes screw to collect water. It has been designed in a way to create opportunities for critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. The children can stop the flow of water with different functions. We hope this water space will be a great way to encourage problem solving, develop language and promote teamwork.” Adjacent to the water space, is a circular mud area in which the children can embrace the joy of mud through experimenting with digging, and moulding during play. This provides many opportunities to increase curiosity. 64 • The British School of Brussels
“The garden gives us the opportunity to not just talk about nature and learn about it from a book but go out there and actually do it,” says Kate Ringrose. “The wild garden with its dedicated play area, waters features, wildflowers and willow tunnel is really lovely and forms part of our plan for a green corridor which will eventually link every part of the school through nature.” In addition, there have been several other student and staff-led developments in the forest area of the school. The forest has been opened up to allow easier student access, with plans to create enhanced spaces for biodiversity and outdoor learning. A really positive outcome that is emerging from campus development is the integration of students and staff participation in long-term planning processes. By creating space for different voices in the development process, BSB builds trust and sense of ownership which are so important for long term success of the outdoor space.
