Case Study: Abercorn Primary School

Introduction

Abercorn Primary School, led by Co-Principal Gemma Harrison, sought to enhance their outdoor learning environment to better support students' physical development and sensory needs. Partnering with Creative Activity, the school installed various outdoor facilities including the Slieve Donard Outdoor Trim Trail, a sensory circuit, two outdoor classrooms, and a sandhouse.

Background

The focus of Abercorn Primary School's initiative was to improve gross motor skills, balance, and coordination among students, especially in the Foundation Stage. Recognizing the importance of outdoor play and the need for a dedicated learning space, the school identified several key installations that would contribute to a comprehensive outdoor provision strategy.

Challenges

• Need for Enhanced Gross Motor Skills: The school needed to provide opportunities for students to develop their gross motor skills through structured outdoor play.
• Sensory Needs: Some students required sensory processing activities and brain breaks to regulate themselves and enhance their learning experience.
• Weather-Proof Play Area: The school needed an area where children could play regardless of the weather conditions.
• Outdoor Learning Spaces: There was a demand for outdoor classrooms to integrate outdoor learning into the regular curriculum.
  
  

Solution

Creative Activity, led by outdoor specialist Gina, collaborated with Abercorn Primary School to design and implement a tailored outdoor learning environment. The installations included:

The Donard Outdoor Trim Trail:

This trail promotes coordination, balance, and physical activity. A fun and interactive mixture of bridges, stepping logs and a rope walk, designed to develop gross motor skills and balance.

Sensory Circuit:

Creative Activity designed and installed a bespoke Sensory Circuit tailored to the specific needs of the school, seamlessly integrating it into the environment while providing a dedicated space for sensory activities, brain breaks, and movement breaks. This specialised area helps children regulate themselves using learned breathing techniques and sensory activities.

Sensory Circuits are designed to assist children with sensory processing issues, helping them to regulate and organise their senses. These circuits can be incorporated into the school curriculum, offering a structured approach to sensory integration. The pre-set setup of the sensory circuit eliminates the need for additional preparation, ensuring it is always ready for convenient use. Brain breaks, facilitated by the sensory circuit, give students the opportunity to reset and refocus, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Two Outdoor Classrooms:

The two outdoor classrooms at Abercorn Primary School have become integral parts of the curriculum, providing versatile spaces for a variety of subjects, particularly numeracy and literacy.

Curriculum Integration

• Numeracy and Literacy: These outdoor spaces enable hands-on and interactive learning experiences.
• Enhanced Learning Experience: The outdoor classrooms offer a change of scenery that can invigorate students and provide a fresh perspective on their studies. This integration into the curriculum allows for a more dynamic and engaging approach to learning.

The Outdoor Sandhouse:

The sandhouse at Abercorn Primary School has become a key feature in the school's outdoor provision. This enclosed play area allows children to engage in play and learning activities regardless of the weather, making it an invaluable addition to the school's facilities.