By Geoff Laidler, Head of Dame Allan's Junior School
Developing our outdoor learning provision.
Like most senior business leaders, as the Head of Dame Allan’s Junior School, my team and I are always looking for ways to improve the offering that we provide. It is critical that we continue to develop and improve our resources, listening to pupils’ and parents’ suggestions and, of course, utilising our own expertise as teachers. This ensures that we continue to provide the best education possible to our pupils.
I was therefore thrilled to recently open The Whispering Woods alongside Principal Neil Seaton and representatives of the school’s parent association, DASPA, which helped raise funds for the project. A woodland adventure course, bespoke storytelling chair, mud kitchen and den-building area are among the new features that were unveiled as part of our major revamp of the woodland space.
Our investment in the continued development of the school’s outdoor facilities builds on our established outdoor learning programme, including the adoption of Skogsmulle – a Swedish approach centred on nature and imaginative play – and timetabled sessions for every year group from nursery through to Year 6.
As our Reception teacher, Skogsmulle and Forest School leader Mrs Williams, who helped shape the layout of the space, said: “Whispering Woods is so much more than an outdoor classroom. It’s a space for adventure where imagination can run wild. We want our pupils to take ownership – to explore, create, get muddy, take supported risks, make mistakes, try again and have fun together.”
The woodland has been divided into a series of distinct zones designed to encourage physical challenge, creativity and exploration. Among the key additions is Woodland Warriors, a large obstacle course featuring wooden logs and stumps, slacklines and cargo nets, designed to test balance and agility.
In contrast, Natter Nook, offers a quiet, reflective area for reading, writing and creative inspiration. Its centrepiece is a bespoke storytelling chair hand-crafted by Flow, a North Shields-based community interest company that uses art to support young adults with diverse and complex needs.
Made from wood, the chair incorporates resin containing objects collected by Flow participants during beachcombing trips, including shells, stones and a washed-up key. The chair represents a strong focal point for storytelling and creativity and is a beautiful connection between the coast, the community, and our children.
The Whispering Woods also features a Mud Kitchen, custom-built at varying heights to engage children from Year 1 through to Year 6, and a Camp Headquarters, a central meeting place where pupils gather for outdoor learning activities and challenges.
The redevelopment of Whispering Woods forms part of Dame Allan’s wider commitment to outdoor learning, which begins in the Early Years with Skogsmulle, a Swedish approach developed in the 1950s that uses imaginative play and a fictional forest character to encourage young children to explore nature and care for the environment.
Principal Mr Seaton, who officially opened Whispering Woods with me, said: “Outdoor education is a real strength of Dame Allan’s, and it’s something that pupils can continue to enjoy as they move through the Senior School and into the Sixth Form.
“It’s important that this starts early. Giving our youngest children the freedom to explore, get muddy, try things out and develop a connection with the natural world gives them experiences that will stay with them as they grow.”
For more information about the Junior School and Nursery, or to arrange to come and visit the Whispering Woods, contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 1500 or visit dameallans.co.uk