Potters Gate CofE Primary School

Potters Gate C. of E. Primary School

An Academy in the Good Shepherd Trust

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Generation Restoration

World Caretakers

“In our hands now lies not only our own future, but that of all other living creatures with whom we share the Earth. Bringing nature into the classroom can kindle a fascination and passion for the diversity of life on earth and can motivate a sense of responsibility to safeguard it.” - David Attenborough

Intent​  

  • To increase biodiversity in the grounds at St Andrews and Potters Gate 
  • To foster more awe and wonder in our children for the world we live in ​ 
  • To help nurture an appreciation for our native wildlife, across our schools and beyond 

Biodiverse Space in Which to Explore and Learn 

Our aim is to provide a diverse range of outdoor spaces at Potters Gate, shared with the pupils of St Andrews, to enrich the children’s love and understanding of the natural world. These areas help the children make further links between each year group focus. 

Year 5 Wild Garden 
Providing a space for birds, pondlife, pollinators, amphibians and a range of plants.

Sensory Garden 
A calm area for the children to visit, clear their minds and contemplate in, surrounded by beautiful plants, trees, birds and a wonderful water feature.

Wildflower Meadow 
A new, long-term initiative, dedicating a section of the school field to letting a variety of native English flowers to grow, providing a further space for pollinators in a space the children can enjoy and learn from both during lesson and break times.

 

School Community Goals 

Collectively, each year group between Potters Gate and St Andrews are being tasked to help the school take part in the RSPB Wild Challenge. Activities they undertake, linked to their focus area, help contribute evidence to gain progress in Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. These fantastic learning opportunities help the children get a deeper understanding of their specific topic, while helping to understand the links between those of all the year groups. 

Focus Areas 

Each year group has been given an environmental focus to work on: 

 

Generation-Restoration (ID 1051)

  • Year R - Gardens

    Year R - Gardens

    This focus introduces the children to the joys of outdoor learning and helps instil a love of the natural world. The children are given opportunities to develop their gross and fine motor skills, while using their five senses to explore the outdoors as they begin to appreciate the plant and animal life that surrounds them.

  • Year 1 - Ponds

    Year 1 - Ponds

    Ponds are an important habitat supporting a diverse range of wildlife. This topic gives the children the chance to use our wonderful school pond, to explore the wide range of life living under and above the water’s surface.

  • Year 2 - Invertebrates

    Year 2 - Invertebrates

    An understanding of the job invertebrates carry-out to support our natural ecosystems is essential for our children. From pollinating to recycling and cleaning, invertebrates are the hidden superheroes of the natural world.

  • Year 3 - Trees

    Year 3 - Trees

    Trees are huge sources of oxygen and provide homes for a diverse range of animals. This topic gives rise to a wonderful opportunity to explore and better understand their important role supporting life on our planet.

  • Year 4 - Birds

    Year 4 - Birds

    This wonderful focus helps children notice and appreciate the birdlife that surrounds them. It aims to enhance their love of these fascinating creatures and to help them consider what they can do to combat the threats many of our most beloved birds face today.

  • Year 5 - Bees

    Year 5 - Bees

    Bees are a cornerstone of our natural environment and play an enormous role in supporting life on our planet. This topic helps children to understand just how important these buzzy little creatures really are to all of us.

  • Year 6 - Pollution

    Year 6 - Pollution

    Pollution threatens the health of all living creatures on our planet. From the air we breath to the food we eat, children begin to understand how the pollution we create as a species impacts every corner of our world.