During a challenging 2020, including school closures, bubbles and social distancing, Moorlands Schools Federation in Bath has risen to the challenge by making full use of its ten-acre campus to ensure learning can continue in the fresh air.
The Federation, which comprises Moorlands Infant School and Moorlands Junior School, has employed an outdoor learning specialist teacher, Sadie Rhodes, who previously worked in London providing outdoor learning in Hyde Park. Since relocating to Bath and working for a while at Bath City Farm, Sadie has now joined Moorlands.
Talking about Sadie’s appointment, Warrick Barton, the schools’ acting executive head, said, “Since Sadie’s arrival we’ve been able to provide an outdoor learning lesson every week to each one of our 14 classes. This has really benefited our children in being able to make the most of the outdoor space we’re lucky to have – particularly in this era of lockdowns!”
The school community has also come together in other ways to support pupils, parents and staff during challenging times. Parents have been involved in encouraging their children to walk, scoot and cycle to school as Moorlands celebrated ‘Bike to School Week’ in October.
In addition, the very active PTA has been running an eco-friendly, low-cost second-hand uniform service to parents, as well as running online quizzes for staff and parents, and even a virtual Camp Out when the famous annual overnight camp-out in the grounds couldn’t go ahead in the summer. The children will enjoy a virtual pantomime performance this year, with a socially distanced live production for the youngest children (both paid for by the PTA).
Parents have also brought their individual experience and expertise to bear in supporting the school in recent months. Since tours for large groups of prospective parents have not been possible this term, a parent who is a BAFTA-nominated documentary director has made the school a short film to give prospective parents a flavour of the hugely positive Moorlands community.
Moorlands parents were instrumental in the national campaign to re-instate the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme for infant children, with great success.
“Moorlands Schools Federation is delighted to be going strong in these tough times thanks to its welcoming, supportive and positive parent and pupil community,” commented Warrick. “The huge green space around the two schools has been used to give children and adults the literal and metaphorical breathing space that they need.”
Visits for small numbers of prospective parents can now be booked through the school office at email hidden; JavaScript is required and you can find out more about the school at http://moorlands-school.org/ .