Page 18 - Day of Action

4.1

School grounds

School grounds are an important asset to any school. The Eco-Schools objectives in this topic area are to:
Managed and used properly, the site your school
occupies can become not just a playground, but a • encourage the use of school grounds as a tool for
rich source of teaching and learning opportunities learning and teaching opportunities across the
covering topics ranging from art and history curriculum and whole school community
to sustainable development, food growing and • encourage schools to use areas for gardening
biodiversity. and food growing
• provide schools with suggestions for creating
Development of school grounds can give pupils habitats which will enhance the biodiversity of
experience of crucial life skills such as design, school grounds
budgeting, sourcing and project-management. It can • encourage schools to look upon their grounds as
also encourage ownership and responsibility for their a place for pupils to gain aesthetic experiences
surroundings. through play and learning
• ensure that the school grounds provide
Recent research has highlighted that well designed recreational and exercise facilities
school grounds can improve behaviour, reduce • raise awareness that the school grounds create
bullying and reduce vandalism. the first impression to visitors and the local
community
Developing your grounds can offer huge benefits, not
only for the people inside the school, but also for the
wider community. The area can provide opportunities
for parents and community members to get involved
and contribute their time and skills.

Complete the School Grounds and Biodiversity
sections of the Environmental Review

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