Garston school unveils new outdoor learning area

The Academy of St Nicholas in Garston has unveiled a new sustainable outdoor learning area based on the idea of five eco-conscious Year 9 students. As part of the Premier League Inspires programme, students Emanuel, Harvey, Melissa, Melissa and Shea submitted an entry to the Inspires Challenge based on this year’s theme around sustainability. Working with Everton in the Community, the students’ submission detailed ways in which they would like to nurture their school’s outdoor environment, grow produce and create a space that supports mental health and wellbeing sustainably. The students presented their idea to a judging panel of representatives from Colas Ltd, Everton in the Community and Wates Group. The Academy of St Nicholas was chosen as the regional winners, meaning their idea would be brought to life. Gill Carr, judge and social value/public liaison officer at Colas Ltd, commented: “The group’s idea stood out for me immediately. I was so happy that they won and straightaway offered the support from Colas to turn their ideas into reality.” The space will enable students to enjoy a dedicated area of the academy’s surroundings. Fruit and vegetables grown from raised beds will be donated to local foodbanks, while a bug hotel for wildlife will create a safe space for them to shelter and raise their young. Everton in the Community and The Academy of St Nicholas invited pupils from Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School, Garston, to enjoy the new space and partake in student-led activities. Mr Adam Robinson, senior deputy headteacher at The Academy of St Nicholas, said: “A huge well done to Emanuel, Harvey, Melissa, Melissa and Shea. “The space is such a welcomed addition and will allow our students to learn, develop and grow in a new environment... It will be a valued learning area many years to come.”