Gallery: Derg pupils take learning into the great outdoors

The pupils of Castlederg High School know all about the benefits of the great outdoors. And thanks to their very own Forest School they are learning more and more every day about how nature can help them excel.

The school officially opened its stunning Forest School in recent days. It is one of only two official post-primary schools in the North to become accredited by the Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association. To achieve such status, teachers have to undergo a lengthy accreditation process which involves in-depth training in many and varied strategies for teaching and learning in the outdoors.

Teachers are also assessed through written assignments and formal external observations.

Diane Moore, Forest School leader and head of science, said, “We are delighted to have achieved our official Forest School status and look forward to building upon the work we have already achieved. Watching our pupils gaining skills and knowledge in the outdoor environment is so encouraging for the future. We plan now to develop our strategies and ensure that as many pupils as possible get to take advantage of this fabulous resource we have on our doorstep.”

Principal, Susan Wilson, is delighted at the school’s achievement.

She said, “Learning in the outdoors is not only motivating and stimulating for all pupils, but allows for very particular skills to be developed, skills that are harder to develop in a classroom. Much of the Forest School ethos seeks to develop deeper thinking skills, skills of independence but also teamwork, alongside the focus on the promotion of wellbeing and a connection with nature, that many of us have stepped away from to our detriment.

“This space is also the perfect setting in school to embrace environmental issues and provide a more meaningful context for discussion.

“Many pupils come alive in this learning environment and it is heart-warming to see their eyes light up when they learn something incredible in nature.”

Mrs Wilson added, “Huge credit goes to our teachers for driving this initiative, particularly to Mrs Moore. Sincere thanks goes to Brian Poots, from the Northern Ireland Forest Schools Association for approving our school and for all the support he has given us to date. We are also very appreciative of our other special guests, Gareth Lamrock from ‘Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful’ and to Richard Watson, school governor, who helped to make the opening so significant.”