With huge thanks to rugby charity Wooden Spoon  

In May we launched our new outdoor classroom space – the Literacy and Learning Lodge. Funded by the amazing children’s charity Wooden Spoon, with a contribution by our trust – Tudor Grange Academies – the Lodge will be available for use by the whole school community, including our neighbours at Perdiswell Academy. It provides a refreshingly different, engaging and supportive environment for lessons, based on the benefits of nature and being outdoors.

The opening event was a joyful occasion with singing and music by our choir ‘Academy Voices’. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque unveiling were well supported by Mrs McLean, CEO of Tudor Grange Academies Trust, and Councillor Neil Laurenson, with a great turnout from the enthusiastic and passionate representatives of Wooden Spoon.

Mr Norman, Principal of Tudor Grange Academy Perdiswell, came along to share in the launch celebrations. He said “Being part of the Tudor Grange Academies Trust and situated just a short walk away, we have been able to open our Forest School to Tudor Grange Academy Worcester pupils – and now we look forward to visiting to work within this amazing setting. It’s another example of how well aligned we are with each other. As children go through each school year, from age 3 when they can start with us, all the way through to Worcester’s Sixth Form, our shared values and approach to learning will provide a strong and consistent thread. Learning outdoors will always be memorable.”

Worcester Principal, Mr Butler said “Today’s launch is the result of a wonderfully collaborative initiative between our school community, our trust, and the generosity of Wooden Spoon, an amazing charity that has donated £12,000 towards our new learning facility. Benefiting from nature-based learning, it is intended to support our most vulnerable learners – but will be available for everyone.”

The canopy-style, sheltered structure – set in our beautiful garden area – will prioritise pupils with SEND and SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) needs, along with other vulnerable learners. Staff will blend learning with the benefits of being outdoors and using nature within lessons. The inspirational and calming environment will be especially popular for creative learning, reading, small group work, and wellbeing activities.  

Jon Fraser, Committee Member for Wooden Spoon Worcestershire, said “I am delighted that we were able to support this excellent project with a £12,000 grant. I’m grateful to our sponsors and members who have made this possible. It was fantastic to see the completed Literacy and Learning Lodge which is a huge asset for the academy and will be used and enjoyed by many for years to come.”

Kyran, Year 10, said “I think the outdoor classroom is a good idea because it helps people thrive in the classroom. By getting outside it breaks up the day and helps to teach new techniques and to try new things.”

Mrs Sommerville, our Pupil Premium Lead, explained “As a school we are focused on providing innovative educational experiences and creating nurturing and engaging environments. We have had great success with our school garden – designed for its calming qualities and sensory appeal. Our Learning and Literacy Lodge has created real excitement throughout the community and pupils are very keen to make use of it. We know that a change of context, being outdoors, and doing things a bit differently sparks the children’s imaginations and makes learning both effective and fun.”

We are grateful to Wooden Spoon – a dynamic, committed national children’s charity connected to rugby, supporting projects that improve outcomes for children and young people, particularly within SEND and specialist education environments.