The Rockets in Year 4 were writing information texts about the Wildlife Area, this was part of our work for Science Week.  Mrs Walsh in the office chose the one she felt was most effective...............

                                       

 

What creatures are there?

The wildlife area is mainly about the creatures that eat, sleep, swim or even live there.

There are about 6 peepholes in the fence, so that we can look at the birds, who like peace and quiet, without scaring them away!  There are lots of different pond creatures, for example frogs, tadpoles, fish etc. and many natural creatures.

There are pooters to look at mini-beasts accurately.  (Be careful, don't swallow them!!)  You can't put slugs in the pooter though, because they are sticky and slimy and they will get stuck in the jar! In the pond, there are 2 black fish; they eat wild things like flies or little insects that are around the pond (aaarrrggghh!!!)

Activities

Bird watching is fun in our wildlife area, because there are different types and colours of birds and you can see them there.  Pond dipping is great fun, but don't go too near the edge because you can fall in or hurt yourself, because in the middle of the pond it is 1 metre deep.  The nature trail is good because you can see all different insects; in the middle of the trail you can play a game.

Security/Safety

In the wildlife area there are locks to stop things getting damaged.  For safety, you lock the gates firmly in case children fall in the pond.  If you lock the gate you would be helping security.  If you forget - Mr Harrison, who is the caretaker, would be really angry and that would tell him that you cannot come in again.

Location

To get to the wildlife area, you have to go on the grass in the back playground, then travel to the north eastern part.  You still won't be able to get in then, because you have to get the wildlife area key from Mr Harrison.

Facts and Figures

The measurements of the wildlife area itself in metres is approximately 20 x 20 m.  Also, the measurement of the pond area is about 7 x 7 metres, and the depth is roughly 1 metre.  Mr Harrison, who is the caretaker, does not actually know the real measurements because he has never bothered to measure it!  The caretaker didn't build the area himself; he got some professional builders to do the big job. Nevertheless, they still built it.  It took 3 - 4 years to build.

Our Willow Tunnel

At the moment Mr Harrison (with his helpers) is building a willow tunnel which will be used to access the new outdoor classroom in due course. Here are some pictures of the work so far.

           

 

Tree Planting Day - 5TH March 2009

Our school is getting greener thanks to a carbon offsetting scheme.

A recent traffic improvement scheme saw the installation of traffic lights near the school entrance.  Doncaster Council has now teamed up with pupils and volunteers to plant over 200 new trees as part of an 'Outside Classroom' project.

The trees are intended to help to offset carbon dioxide produced by emissions from vehicles waiting at the traffic lights, as well as enhancing biodiversity and wildlife at the school.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Stuart Exelby said: 'This is a wonderful education and environmental project.  It is an excellent example of the council working in partnership with volunteers and schools to promote a greener and cleaner environment.  This will give the pupils an insight into environmental issues, as well as providing real benefits to the local community'.  Claire Robinson - headteacher added: 'We have encouraged our pupils to come along dressed in old clothes and get involved with the planting,  We held assembly and classroom discussions with children in order for them to understand more about the issues and ideas surrounding the carbon footprint topic, and now everyone is really excited and eager to see the project spring into action'.