OVO Foundation Nature Prize
Schools can win the cash to implement a community nature project. Schools from disadvantaged areas with high pupil premium are particularly encouraged to apply.
North Star 240, Bristol
Students take charge of re-developing their outdoor space
Staff and students at this Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) School won a £200 Nature Prize to put towards turning an unused piece of land into an outdoor learning space.
Their winning idea is part of the school’s Green Space Project, a whole-school venture they are undertaking with Bristol Works, the city council’s skills and employability service for young people, and Socius, a local developer. The two organisations have been working with North Star 240 on this real-life development project, collaborating with students on what they want from their new green space.
Students’ vision for the space is a quiet and calming space, for students and wildlife. The final design includes a pond, benches, hammocks, veg planters and a learning area. Although it is still being developed, once it is finished staff hope that it will be used in lessons across the curriculum, and that all departments will be involved in its upkeep and maintenance.
The project is not only helping to green the school site, increase biodiversity and enhance outdoor learning opportunities, but is also exposing students to different career opportunities, such as development, landscaping and horticulture. Bristol Works and Socius ran monthly workshops with the students to understand the students’ vision for the site, helping them to understand all aspects of the process, including budget management.
The school is keen to collaborate on the project with as many organisations as possible to show students different career paths, particularly green ones. The Avon Wildlife Trust got involved, sending volunteers to help students dig out the pond and will return in the new year to further develop the environment with more planting.
Student interest in the project has grown steadily and students from across all school years have been helping out. The chance to work outside on different aspects of the project, from digging out the pond to clearing weeds, has gone down well, especially with students on apprenticeship and trades pathways. Being involved in all aspects of the site’s transformation has been a great motivator for the students and they have responded well to the responsibility and trust placed in them.
“The work they did this morning was incredible in an hour and a half. Our students really enjoy being trusted to complete practical tasks and I think that was the case this morning. They were given various jobs to do. One group were given a job to plant apple trees, another group were digging in a trench around the pond to put the pond liner in, and another group were clearing some areas of wood and bricks. The site is steadily transforming, and its down to the vision and hard work of our students”.
Mr Mitchell, teacher and Physical Education lead
As a SEMH school, there are strict safeguarding rules that limit opportunities for community use of the space, but staff are planning on holding a celebration opening event for the parents and carers of the students involved. They also hope the new area will be beneficial for existing and prospective students who may benefit from the enhanced green space.
For schools looking to enhance their own outdoor space, staff recommend including student voice from the very beginning, as well as looking out to the community – to the council and local businesses – for further help. Student voice is crucial to understand what they want in their school grounds and to and to create a sense of ownership. Involving them in the planning process is also a chance to teach real-world skills and get students thinking about possible green careers.
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