Outdoor Learning – Christmas Newsletter 2025

This autumn term at Tower College has been a delightful journey of outdoor learning for pupils in EYFS, Lower School, and for those in Years 7 and 8 through their enrichment option. The enthusiasm to be outside and explore has been wonderful, with children eagerly taking part in a wide range of hands-on activities.

From EYFS to Year 8: Hands-On Nature Projects

After collecting leaves to make mulch for the raised beds in the gardening area, we decided to build a storage container from pallets. Our Years 7 and 8 pupils led the project alongside our gardener, Mr Barber. Together, they built a sturdy structure that has already attracted numerous birds—especially some bold little robins—busy searching for worms and bugs among the leaves.

There were plentiful conkers and acorns in the grounds this year. Information from The Woodland Trust suggests it was a “mast year,” meaning a bumper crop of fruit or nuts from certain trees and shrubs. We also spotted plenty of fascinating fungi and admired them from a safe distance.

With very little persuasion, children collected leaves, conkers, acorns, and beech seeds (with their casings). The glorious autumn colours inspired nature crafts: beautiful pictures and fiery bonfire displays made from our autumn treasures. A highlight was the scarecrow we created for the Rainhill Scarecrow Festival, filled with leaves and straw and decorated with conkers and acorns.

In October, we enjoyed designing and building mini obstacle courses from planks and stumps. The children balanced and jumped with their classmates and even planned suitable courses for other year groups. Older pupils also got creative and made a tyre swing, tying a safe bowline knot to keep it secure. The experience encouraged teamwork and sparked plenty of joy and laughter, making our outdoor sessions memorable for everyone.

As the festive season approached, pupils made Christmas crafts using natural or recycled materials. The wreaths, reindeer, paper stars, and other decorations created during our first Christmas Crafts sessions with parents were a joy to see. The reindeer made by Year 6, using pruned dogwood “antlers,” proved especially popular with children and staff.

We were also kindly given some Venus flytrap plants so pupils could observe how these fascinating plants catch their food. This sparked lively discussion, and the plants were placed in classrooms for ongoing observation.

Growing Greener: Plants for Wellbeing and Our New Eco School Council

Looking ahead to next year, Tower College has been chosen to take part in a pilot scheme run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) called Plants for Wellbeing. Each class will nurture a plant in their classroom, with some year groups sharing plants or seeds with others, and pupils will learn how plants can support wellbeing. Towards the end of the scheme, we will encourage pupils to develop and lead a Plants for Wellbeing project to share their knowledge beyond the school community.

As the term drew to a close, pupils from Lower School applied to join our new Eco School council. As we work towards gaining Eco School status, these enthusiastic children will take part in assemblies and support projects such as the RHS School Gardening Awards, habitat mapping for the National Education Nature Park, and the RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch early next year.

Mrs Boyd