St. Mary’s Boys’ School Monaghan First with
Innovative Forest School
St. Mary’s has embarked on an exciting journey to develop a new Outdoor Education Forest School area at the front of the school grounds. This initiative leverages the mature trees planted in the mid to late 70s, which now provide excellent shade and create a serene woodland environment for both staff and pupils. A previously inaccessible area has now been given a new focus for learning and play.
Project Inception and Initial Steps
The project was initiated by Principal Colm Mac Cinna, who recognised the potential of this area for outdoor education. In October 2023, he began the redevelopment by having several trees removed and branches cut back to open up the space, making it more accessible and more inviting for various activities.
Design and Educational Activities
Ms. Noleen Beagan has played a pivotal role in designing learning activities tailored to this unique environment. Her efforts have ensured that the space is not only functional but also engaging for the students. The project gained significant momentum through the spring and summer of 2024, transforming the area into a vibrant outdoor classroom.
Community Involvement and Construction
The success of this project has been greatly supported by the community. Emer Brennan of Monaghan Biodiversity Town has been very helpful to the school. Emer put St. Mary’s in touch with Kevin Mc Guire, Kevin has overseen so much of the work. Gavin Shipley organised volunteers from Migrant Connect for Men who helped out under the direction of Kevin. These volunteers have been instrumental in constructing various structures. Their dedication and hard work have been invaluable. Additionally, parents have contributed by collecting and delivering clean pallets, which have proven to be a fast and cost-effective construction material. The teachers and boys have also helped out by clearing areas and helping plan out the whole project. Fr Leo Creelman also related his experience of Trim Trails in woodland in Coleraine inspiring the school to aim to create an Outdoor Adventure area for PE.
New Additions and Features
Thanks to these collective efforts, the Forest School area now boasts several exciting features:
- Zip Line and Launch Pad: These additions provide thrilling experiences for the students, promoting physical activity and adventure.
- Mud Kitchen: A creative space where children can engage in imaginative play and learn about nature.
- Teaching Area: An outdoor classroom setup that facilitates interactive and hands-on learning.
- Raised Seating Area: This area offers a comfortable space for group activities and discussions.
- Climbing Ropes: Ropes for climbing the sloped banks leading down to the area and for climbing trees.
- Climbing Webs: Interconnected ropes or nets that provide a challenging and fun climbing experience.
- Slacklines: A flat, narrow piece of webbing tensioned between two anchors, used for balance training, walking, and performing tricks.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, there are ambitious plans to further enhance the Forest School area. These include:
- Stage Area: A dedicated space for performances and presentations, encouraging creativity and public speaking skills.
- Relocation of Outdoor Classroom: Moving an existing outdoor classroom from the back of the school site to this new area, integrating it into the overall design.
- Planting Native Hedging and Trees: To further enrich the environment, there are plans to plant more native hedging and trees around the area. This will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also support local biodiversity.Barry Kavanagh, Horticulturist from Cavan Monaghan ETB is to advise on planting. St. Mary’s wishes to thank Gavin Shipley for contacting Barry on our behalf.
- Habitat: Grey squirrels, bats and owls have been identified on site. We want to create a habitat to attract hedgehogs and other wildlife.
- Wellbeing Area: This area will be for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Developing a Trim Trail: The Trim Trail will promote exercise outdoors with outdoor playground equipment designed to encourage physical activity and motor skill development. It will consist of a series of wooden stations and challenges, such as balance beams, monkey bars, rope bridges, and climbing frames. These trails are great for both children, providing a fun way to stay active and improve coordination and strength.
- Trim Trails can be found in schools, parks, and other outdoor areas, and they offer various benefits, including:
Physical fitness: Activities like climbing, swinging, and balancing will help develop strength, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness.
Motor skills: Navigating through different obstacles will help refine motor skills.
Educational Impact
The development of the Forest School area aligns with the broader educational goals of St. Mary’s. Outdoor learning has been shown to have numerous benefits, including improved physical health, enhanced social skills, and increased engagement in learning. By providing a space where students can interact with nature, the school is fostering a love for the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
Community and Environmental Benefits
This project also highlights the importance of community involvement in educational initiatives. The collaboration between the school, parents, and local volunteers has not only made the project possible but also strengthened community bonds. Moreover, the focus on using sustainable materials and promoting biodiversity reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The development of the Outdoor Education Forest School area at St. Mary’s is a testament to the power of community collaboration and innovative thinking. It provides a dynamic and enriching environment for students to learn and grow, while also promoting sustainability and community engagement. As the project continues to evolve, it promises to be a cherished space for many years to come.
