Press Cutting from last year

Pupils twig on to making the most of outdoor space
Dec 30 2008 by Jon Tunney, The Journal

SCHOOLGIRLS from Tyneside have created a unique outdoor learning space.
Nearly 30 youngsters aged nine and 10 from Newcastle Church High School have created a Twigloo – a large dome- shaped structure made entirely from living willow within their school grounds in Jesmond.
The structure was built over two days with the help of willow experts Steve Fuller and Simone Siegen from Kendal-based Willowpool Designs.
Judith Cunningham, head of the Junior School at Church High, said: “The willow-weaving activity has given our Year 5s an opportunity to create something that will stay within the school for many years.
“Building the monument has allowed the girls to work as part of a team and be creative at the same time.
“We are looking forward to seeing how the structure grows and changes throughout the different seasons and how the girls make use of this highly unusual space.”
Dianne Colwell, Year 3 form teacher who also looks after the outdoor activities schedule, said: “We are very lucky to be at a school on an inner-city site but be able to provide the girls with such a variety of outdoor activities in both lessons and playtimes.
“It was a pleasure to see the girls working with such enthusiasm and commitment to build a beautiful structure that they will be able to use for years to come.
“The girls have a real sense of ownership and pride and the rest of the school was impressed with what they managed to achieve in just two days. We are looking forward to making best use of the space in the spring term.”