Whetley: Pupils connect with nature

Nursery and Little Acorns have begun their Forest School journey throughout this term at Whetley Academy.

With experienced Forest School practitioner, Lizzie from Bee Outdoors, children have explored, investigated and immersed themselves in outdoor learning. Forest School has provided opportunities to build self-esteem, confidence and resilience through connecting with nature. Children have taken risks safely and learned about the importance of these skills, said Head of Academy Jonny Townend.

Don Valley: Top award

Level 4 RHS School Gardening Award has been achieved by Don Valley Academy in recognition of its commitment to the environment.

It means students are actively engaged in gardening projects; using tools professionally; growing and harvesting produce throughout the year; and the garden is being used to teach curriculum subjects. The Academy, through its Green Careers programme overseen by careers curriculum leader Nichola Larner, has planted seven tiny forests including more than 1,500 trees.

Each student and member of staff has had the opportunity to plant a tree in the tiny forest.

Hayley Vaughan has also set up an allotment where produce is growing that students will cook once harvested.

“Our Forest School sessions promote a holistic development for our children with the aim to nurture creative learners,” he said. More recently, to celebrate Father’s Day and those who are special, the Academy invited family members to join its Forest School.

Children and parents/ carers took part in many shared activities, working together to create natural keepsakes.

The activities involved woodwork (sawing, hand drilling), fire building and toasting marshmallows.

The session gave all a sense of community and togetherness, and we hope to continue to provide these opportunities for our families.”

Impressive ideas

Ideas on how to reduce air pollution in Bradford were presented by pupils from Whetley Academy to a panel of professionals in the final of a competition.

The Year 6 team - Eesa, Sofian, Madiha and Rayyan - were one of 10 finalists in the Clean Air competition.

‘Project Worm’ shared their ideas to judges who included the Lord Mayor of Bradford.

They had a fantastic time and impressed the panel with their creativity, presentational skills, and excellent teamwork.

They met the Lord Mayor and managed to make it onto the radio and the local news.

It was a very fun and memorable day and the Academy’s very proud of the Year 6 pupils.