Why Marhamchurch Pupils Built a Giant Bug Hotel

Bug hotels, frog life cycles and a lunchtime litter hunt. It has been a busy stretch for one group of Cornwall pupils, and almost none of it happened at a desk.

Pupils at Marhamchurch C of E Academy, part of the Learning Academy Partnership, have been taking their lessons outside, with science, nature and environmental awareness at the heart of it.

Learning through play

In Reception, children took their writing activities outdoors, explored the life cycle of a frog through water play, and learned through practical, play-based activities designed to support their understanding of the natural world.

Kingfisher Class set their sights on something bigger. Pupils worked together to build a giant bug hotel as part of their science learning, creating habitats for insects and other small creatures. Other pupils took part in Forest School sessions. And at lunchtime, litter-picking tied in with the 2 Minute Foundation’s message about taking small, simple actions to care for the environment.

Part of a global movement

The activities linked with Outdoor Classroom Day, a global movement that encourages schools to make time outdoors part of everyday learning, with two key days of action each year.

Outdoor learning is nothing new at the school. Forest School runs regularly, and the academy works with organisations such as the 2 Minute Foundation and Cornwall Climate Care to help pupils understand environmental responsibility and the impact of everyday actions.

Deirdre Petersen, headteacher at Marhamchurch C of E Academy, said: “At Marhamchurch, outdoor learning is part of everyday life, not just a special day. It is always such a joy to see the children so engaged, curious and enthusiastic as they explore science and nature in hands-on ways.”

Tracey Cleverly, Trust Lead at Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Outdoor learning helps children make sense of the world around them in a really meaningful way. These experiences build curiosity, confidence and a sense of responsibility for the environment, and it is great to see pupils engaging so positively with learning beyond the classroom.”