Outdoor Learning at Aurora Hedgeway School

Outdoor learning highlights – Term 5 

Hedgehog heroes

Throughout Term 5, students have shown exceptional enthusiasm and dedication as they worked towards a range of environmental awards. A standout achievement was their pursuit of the Hedgehog Friendly Campus Gold Award. Students approached this challenge with impressive focus, carefully following every guideline and completing all required tasks to a high standard. One particularly creative highlight was the hedgehog drawing competition, which showcased a wide variety of imaginative entries. This activity not only celebrated students’ artistic talents but also deepened their understanding of hedgehog conservation.

From seed to plate

Alongside their conservation efforts, students launched their summer planting projects, thoughtfully planning how they would use the crops once harvested. This hands-on experience nurtured both gardening skills and an awareness of sustainable food practices. Members of the gardening club especially enjoyed harvesting their produce—some of which was eagerly sampled on the spot—before delivering the rest to the school kitchens, where it was incorporated into lunches and cooking lessons.

Eco-explorers 

Students also took part in a series of ecological surveys, including bug counts and pond species monitoring, to assess the health of local ecosystems. These activities sharpened their observation skills and fostered a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

Springtime survival skills

As part of a spring term challenge, students constructed bird nests, which later became hiding spots for a fun and educational chocolate egg hunt. They also explored den building, using natural materials to create camouflage shelters ideal for bird watching—enhancing their understanding of animal habitats and survival techniques.

The frog lifecycle

The curriculum was further enriched by observing the frog lifecycle firsthand, culminating in the joyful release of frogs back into their natural habitat.

Foraging and feasting

Students also foraged for wild ingredients such as nettles and dandelions to bake spring cakes, connecting them to seasonal changes and the edible potential of native plants.

 

Outdoor learning achievements – Term 6 

Woodland Trust Gold Award win 

In Term 6, students’ efforts culminated in the prestigious Woodland Trust Gold Award - a testament to their creativity, commitment, and environmental awareness. Highlights included tree dressing and collaborative tree planting projects, both on school grounds and in partnership with a local scout group, promoting community spirit and ecological stewardship.

Forest school creativity

Students also created woodland champions using natural materials found during Forest School sessions, transforming foraged items into imaginative works of art.

Eco-crafting

Practical skills were developed through knot tying and willow weaving workshops, connecting students with traditional crafts and outdoor learning.

Wild cooking

The term concluded with adventurous wild cooking sessions, where students prepared delicious treats such as chocolate twists, cheesy potatoes, healthy fruit and veg skewers, and the ever-popular cookie dough—blending outdoor education with culinary creativity.

RHS Level 5 Gardening Award 

These achievements played a key role in securing the Level 5 RHS Gardening Award, recognising students’ sustained efforts in growing, harvesting, and maintaining wildlife-friendly spaces. Through these projects, students not only gained a deeper understanding of biodiversity and ecology but also developed essential life skills such as resilience, collaboration, and a lasting connection to the natural world. The school’s thriving polytunnel stands as a living symbol of their hard work and dedication, and the pride they take in their achievements will undoubtedly continue to grow.

 

Eco-Schools update 

Our Eco-Schools committee

Over the past two terms, our school has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainability and environmental education while working towards the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with Distinction. This ambitious goal has united the entire school community, with a special spotlight on the dedicated group of 13 students who form our Eco-Schools Committee.

These student leaders have shown remarkable initiative and passion, spearheading a variety of projects focused on three key themes: global citizenship, biodiversity, and marine conservation. Through assemblies, workshops, and creative campaigns, the committee has inspired widespread participation, helping to foster a school-wide culture of environmental awareness and action.

Learning beyond the classroom

A highlight of the year was the committee’s participation in enriching educational trips beyond the classroom. Students visited both the Bristol Aquarium and the Bristol Botanical Gardens, gaining hands-on learning experiences that beautifully complemented their studies in science, history, and geography. At the aquarium, students explored marine ecosystems and learned about ocean conservation, while the botanical gardens offered a living classroom to study plant diversity and the cultural significance of various species. These visits not only reinforced classroom learning but also ignited a deeper passion for environmental stewardship and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of natural systems.

Planning for a greener future

In addition to their project work and excursions, the Eco-Schools Committee met regularly throughout the year, holding eight meetings to plan, reflect, and collaborate. These sessions ensured that their initiatives remained focused, impactful, and inclusive.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that applications are now open for students who wish to join the Eco-Schools Committee in September. We’re thrilled to see many current members eager to continue their work and look forward to welcoming new students who are passionate about making a positive impact on our school and the wider community.

The achievements of this year have laid a strong foundation for future success, and we are confident that our Eco-Schools programme will continue to flourish as we work together to build a more sustainable future.

Cheryll Hall 
Outdoor Learning Co-ordinator

 

Rated 'Good' by Ofsted, Aurora Hedgeway School in Bristol offers a flexible, inclusive education and a positive, vibrant learning community, for children and young people aged 7 to 19 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of Autism and related social and communication difficulties.