I have worked with a number of schools in East Anglia, developing ideas with staff and pupils for courtyards, entrances and nature areas. All have proven to be great environments for teaching and learning, from the process of design and implementation to the intended long term use.
The above courtyard has been created to form a story telling area based around a carved wooden chair, donated to the school. I developed the idea of a woodland glade, incorporating textures in paving and planting to give a mystical, fantasy feel. There is a raised sensory bed and stumps are used for children's seating, shielded from the sun by a living willow screen. The school children have also added sculptural features based on work they have done within this outdoor classroom.
This courtyard was designed to create a peaceful, calming atmosphere for children to enjoy during breaks, and to provide more scope for outdoor teaching. Curved wooden raised beds divide the site, slowing pupils down as they are guided through and around the area. One bed is full of bright flowers and herbs with varied textures and scents, whilst the other is given over to growing vegetables. Two water butts collect rain from the roof and the school gardening group maintain the plots.
A Northamptonshire school wanted to create a pond for wildlife. I developed the pond and increased the scope of habitats to include a bog, hedgerow and meadow.
A class at this school wanted to create a garden entrance to their building. They helped design, build and plant the project; I designed and installed a colourful light feature, and a copper fountain based on the church spire represented in their badge.