Pictures: Outdoor learning space proves a big hit with Farranree pupils

SCOIL Aiséirí Chríost in Farranree recently launched a new outdoor learning space which has proved a huge hit with the students.

School principal Rachel Uí Fhlannabhra said the Cork city primary school now has multiple outdoor areas.

“It has been two years in the making. We now have multiple areas. We have our playground, our outdoor classroom, and our sensory garden. Also, last year, the children, with artist Laura Hedderman and input from Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), developed a biodiversity mural in the playground space,” she said.

The principal of the all-girls primary school said they embarked on the outdoor learning space area post covid to enable the students have more places to learn within the school environment.

“After covid we felt that the pupils in our school needed more outdoor learning facilities to further develop them. We decided to get a new outdoor learning space for the pupils. Covid really brought it home to us that children were being encouraged to stay apart and then when they were back in school, they were in pods.

“We made a proposal for the Presentation Sisters who are our trustees. We asked them if they had a site or an area of ground on the school grounds that they would allow us to build a playground on. They gave us a piece of ground that wasn’t in use by the school but was attached,” she added.

“We are very grateful to the Presentation Sisters,” said Ms Uí Fhlannabhra. “It was a huge job. They had the entire site cleared for us and they paid for all of that. It had to be drained as well. They have always supported our school. They support several programmes every year, but that was a particularly large undertaking for them. We are delighted with the finish. It is a state-of-the-art facility, and the children love it.”

The primary school principal also paid tribute to the local community for all their input.

“We have received great support from the whole of the Farranree community and the whole school community. All the families were involved in so many challenges and fundraisers over the last few years. Our local city councillors also responded very positively. The Tomar Trust were very helpful to us in developing the projects. A lot of local businesses that liaise with the school on lots of different things were involved as well.

“There is a great community in Farranree. On the day of the launch, nearly all the parents and grandparents joined in the celebrations which was lovely. The outdoor learning space has been a great addition. It will be used for generations to come. The structure of it will last for generations,” she added.

The principal said the learning space will be available for all their pupils to use on a regular basis.

“Every class from our Early Start, which is our pre-school, right up to sixth class will avail of it. We have a timetable, and they will all have access to it multiple times weekly.”

Scoil Aiséirí Chríost, which was established in 1959, currently has around 270 pupils from Early Start to sixth class. Ms Uí Fhlannabhra said the school has a bright future.

“We know our families are inter-generational because they bring their children back to us when they grow up. I went to school here myself. All the staff members are dedicated to ensuring the children have the best experience of primary school life. The school has a great history and a bright future ahead.”