St Mary's Catholic First School in Dorchester is embarking on an exciting journey to create a vibrant outdoor classroom! We're raising funds to replace our old polytunnel with a fantastic all-weather greenhouse and improved outdoor learning space.

Why an outdoor classroom?
The school aims to create a sustainable growing space where children can learn about nature, healthy eating, and the importance of caring for our environment. By creating an outdoor classroom through the addition of a new greenhouse, we aspire to:

• Grow our own fruit and vegetables, helping the children to develop a closer connection to the food they eat.
• Support children to develop practical skills, such as gardening and food preparation.
• Enable year-round access to nature, getting children outdoors and active regardless of the weather or season.
• Encourage appreciation for the wonders of nature and the importance of caring for our environment.
• Boost children’s wellbeing by providing a calming space that supports relaxation, confidence, and positive mental health.
• Foster cross-generational learning and connections by creating opportunities for family members to share their skills and expertise with students.
• Build a stronger, more sustainable school community through a shared project which will benefit all students

What this project will include

• Construction of a large, all-weather greenhouse which can be used as an outdoor classroom
• Fitting this out with raised beds and planting tables
• Planting an orchard of fruit trees
• Creating a dedicated composting area
• Creating an outdoor sensory area

Who Will Benefit?
Our outdoor classroom will directly benefit 150+ students at St Mary's Catholic First School in Dorchester, providing unique learning experiences and fostering a love for the outdoors.

Are you a local business interested in sponsorship opportunities or in-kind support? Contact the PTA at stmarysdorchester.pta@gmail.com!

The school already has £800 committed through local grants and we are applying for more, but there is still a long way to go to reach our goal. Please donate anything you can to help us create more opportunities for exciting year-round learning and outdoor activities for all students!