LESSONS went al fresco at a Poole school towards the end of term after it unveiled its new outdoor classroom.

Turlin Moor Community School youngsters can now take advantage of the environment with a spectacular open air classroom.

Two years in the planning and two months in the making, it received the approval of staff, pupils and visitors as proud youngsters showed it off.

“It’s not just a garden but a classroom with lots of different aspects,” said acting head teacher Mrs Sue Eden.

It was officially opened by the youngest child in the school, Tommy Hampton, four, who cut the ribbon, helped by the oldest, Kyle Whiffen, 11, and has received interest from 10 other schools.

Transformed from a wasteland behind the school, it includes a pond and dipping platform, grass amphitheatre, meadow, Anderson shelter, story-telling area, edible hedge, classroom and barbecue.

An old container has been cut and made into a shelter, decorated with story sticks designed on a trip to Brownsea Island and was used by the ukulele club to play for visitors, while the school choir sang from the amphitheatre.

The whole area was designed by Aileen Shackell, former school bursar Sally Lowe co-ordinated the project and Continental Landscapes built it.

“We are trying to develop a new outstanding learning environment we feel our children fully deserve,” said Mrs Eden and this includes an orchard and other outdoor areas.

Green Island house captain Amelia Briggs, 11, read one of her stories to her class at the story-telling area, “The pond is my favourite,” she said. “When I finally saw it I said ‘wow, that’s amazing’.”

  • The outdoor classroom needs a sail shade and anyone who can help can contact the school on 01202 685459.