Berrinba East State School is approved by Nature Play Queensland as an Outdoor Learning Provider. To see what Nature Play at Berrinba East State School is all about please look at our video created in conjunction with Logan Together - https://youtu.be/Y6XT3Zae8Vo
At Berrinba East State School, child experience nature play and outdoor learning through the following –
- A weekly outdoor learning lesson facilitated by a specialist teacher.
- Specialist lessons (Physical Education and Music) occurring in our outdoor learning spaces.
- Unstructured play break opportunities in our outdoor learning spaces.
- Outdoor learning opportunities embedded in classroom planning.
- Targeted intervention for students with additional needs.
Our outdoor learning spaces are a point of pride in our school. These spaces include –
Forest Space – This is a forest area where student climb trees, build fort and engage in imaginative play. Student are also taught Indigenous language and perspectives such as yarning circle protocols and the native language and use for many plants in the forest. The forest is also home to a fish pond that host Rainbow Ornate Fish (native to the local area), a frog pond and a soon to be created Indigenous Bush Tucker Garden.
Loose Parts – The loose parts area is a resigned tennis court where student build, design and create using a range of loose parts obtained from the community. Items in loose parts include car tyre, pallets, milk crates, PVC piping and so much more. Many lessons occur in the loose parts area including music, science, technology and even maths and English.
Bike Shed and Track – The bike shed is a workshop space where students maintain and repair the school bikes as well as the bikes of their friends. Students then have the opportunity to ride their bikes on our bike track designed and maintained by the students.
Farm Spaces – There are three designated farm spaces within the school. Students engage in the 'seed to plate' process by where they propagate, maintain and harvest vegetables for cooking. Our farm space is also home to our school ducks and chickens. 6 of our chickens have been raised from eggs as part of our Year 2 class learning about life cycles.
Our school has received wide acclaim for our innovative work in this space. Below are links that further explain what we do -
Nature Play Queensland – Berrinba East State School - https://natureplayqld.org.au/education-providers/berrinba-east-state-school
Nature Play Queensland Case Study - https://natureplayqld.org.au/blog/nature-play-at-berrinba-east-state-school-a-case-study
ABC Digital Article - https://natureplayqld.org.au/blog/outdoor-learning-lowers-violence-and-suspensions-at-berrinba-east-state-school
