Steve

Initial thoughts of the project…

When initially finding out about the PRU outdoor learning project, I was very apprehensive about the type of environment we were going to be working in. With not having any experience of being in a behavioural unit I did not know what to expect. The idea of creating an outdoor learning environment sparked lots of different ideas, but these were initially primary focused until we found out the age range of the pupils at the unit. After speaking through lots of ideas with the school and the team everything became more exciting and I was ready to go!

Highlight of the project…

Although there are a few highlights which have come from this project, one which stands out as the biggest highlight is being able to finally see our designs come to life. A reason for this being such a great highlight of mine is because we, as a group, were faced with so many problems which were out of our control. With the project now completed it has made all the problems a worthwhile experience to have gone through.

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Biggest challenge…

For me, the biggest challenge faced whilst completing this project was having the motivation to continue when things became tough. On one of the days, so many problems came our way that we had to just get ours heads down and machine on. We started digging with the sun in the sky and after 8 hours straight (with some breaks of course) we finally finished with the sun just disappearing from the school. I, from this experience, have realised that I have a good level of perseverance which I did not know prior to this project.

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End thoughts…

Now looking back at the experience as a whole and visiting the children to see how they are using our outdoor classroom, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a group. Coming into a group, which were already a strong friendship group, the importance of understanding the group dynamics was important to me. The project has shown me how the community sprit can come alive when there is a common goal to improve children’s chances within life and that people are more willing to help if you speak to them face to face.