We are pleased to announce that the school has just been granted planning permission by Cornwall Council for a new classroom extension.
‘The Eco Patch’, as it has been named, will inject new life into learning outdoors. The development includes a new classroom and miniature smallholding with chickens, ducks, pygmy goats and other small animals.
Chris Liles, Headteacher, said “The Eco-Patch is a pathfinder. It will be an inspirational space which joins up the delivery of complimentary programmes for animal care, outdoor learning, health and wellbeing, and environmental education in order to maximise the learning potential of our environment and our pupils.
“We believe that outdoor learning is at its most potent when it is interwoven within the formal school curriculum. Taking the curriculum outside will have a positive impact on attainment, increase engagement, and enable the development of a wide range of skills including problem solving, communication and resilience.
“By encouraging interaction with the environment and developing a sense of identity and pride in their local environment and community, our aim is to enrich the local and global environmental awareness of young people.”
The building, designed by Penryn-based architects Marraum, has been designed with a sustainable ethos in mind in both materiality and form. There will be timber decking around the new buildings and raised beds for planting. Despite potential delays caused by the Covid-19 lockdown, we are still hopeful that the Eco Patch will be completed for the start of the new school year in September.
