Canopies for schools: How the pandemic transformed learning

Few of us would look back fondly at the pandemic. But it brought about one clear benefit – it redefined our relationship with the outdoors for the better, and forever.

Forced outdoors by necessity, we soon came to realise just how much we benefitted from having more of a connection with the world beyond our four walls. And now that we’ve discovered a love for spending more time outdoors it’s understandably not something we’re prepared to give up!

It’s a trend we’re seeing taking hold across the education space, with more and more schools approaching us looking to create outdoor spaces in the form of sheltered learning environments, covered alfresco eating spaces and outdoor MUGA canopies that can be used year-round.

And there’s every reason to follow their lead and embrace this trend…

What benefits can a canopy for schools bring?

1. Engaging in the types of hands-on activities that outdoor learning enables increases confidence, creativity and curiosity – all vital skills for learning and life.
2. In today’s modern world where electronic devices dominate, outdoor spaces are valuable places to momentarily escape the frenetic pace technology creates.
3. Multi-sensory learning experiences are memorable and aid retention.
4. Having a connection with the natural world benefits children and young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing, with outdoor activities even proven to boost serotonin.
5. Being more connected with the natural world boosts young people’s respect for the natural environment and inspires them to want to look after our world.

And of course, because outdoor experiences come with such a rich variety of proven rewards, the provision of these experiences is something Ofsted recognises and values – yet another reason to embrace it!

Feeling inspired? Why not check these examples of three of our school canopies project. These schools have invested in new outdoor spaces are feeling the benefits:

Hallsville Primary School in Canning Town: The strip of area at the front of this London primary school was problematic being both characterless and under-utilised – baking in summer months and too bleak in cold, rainy months. But a new 5m wide curved school canopy running the full stretch of the front façade has transformed daily school life, instantly reducing heat levels in classrooms in the summer, and creating much-loved sheltered areas that enable children to play, learn, or craft outside.

Hopwood Hall College: With a rapidly expanding body of students, Hopwood Hall College came to us wanting to create a year-round outdoor learning environment for students learning construction, bricklaying and building skills. The generous 270m2 barrel-vaulted sheltered courtyard we created enables students to progress with their learning no matter what the British weather has to throw at them!

Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School: With space at a premium inside the school building, the team at Holmes Chapel came to us wanting to create an outside social and eating area that could be used year-round. The result?  A 390m2 canopy that shields students from rain, sleet, wind and sun and that has fast become one of the school’s most popular areas.

Want to find out more? Get in touch with our team today at info@fordingbridge.co.uk to  have a chat with our experts, or to arrange a complementary site visit. We’d love to enable you to move beyond your four walls!

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