From learning through play to live science, Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School in Kensington uses its wonderful garden to support children’s learning and build an understanding of the natural world.
Access to wonderful green spaces is central to daily life at Prince’s Gardens. The school’s expansive and enclosed garden is a rare treasure for central London and gives pupils a safe space for creative outdoor play, for active learning, for quiet time and for letting off steam in the fresh air.
In addition to the school garden, Prince’s Gardens Prep pupils enjoy one of London’s great outdoor environments – Hyde Park – the largest of London’s Royal Parks, extending to some 350 acres. Located just a five-minute walk from the school, the park is utilised for sports and athletics by the children.
For Nursery and Early Years classes, the school garden promotes children’s development by enabling them to explore the great outdoors in all seasons of the year using creative play and games. Encouraging young children to embrace physically active play helps them to learn about the ever-changing environment and gives them the opportunity to use their whole body and develop their gross motor skills. It can meet their multi-sensory needs and promotes significant health and well-being benefits. Whether it is messy play, creative play, or role play, it is an essential part of learning.
Daily ‘garden time’ is part of school life at Prince’s Gardens for all pupils and, as children grow, so their exploration of this much-loved outside space develops. The garden becomes a place for building on classroom learning – from observing wildlife and learning about ecology for science classes, to looking for patterns and symmetry in plants to support maths teaching. It is also well-used for enrichment activities such as school clubs.
Garden time isn’t all about organised activities. Simply splashing around in wellies on a rainy day or reading an adventure story under the canopy of a tree can be every bit as beneficial to children’s sense of well-being and belonging – offering them a familiar, tranquil, and relaxing space.
If you would like to learn more about Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School, register to attend their upcoming Open Morning. An Open Morning is the perfect opportunity to meet members of staff and pupils, have a tour of the school, and hear more from the Head, Mrs Gaffney.
Register to attend the Open Morning by contacting the Admissions Team (call 020 7951 4620 or email admissions@princesgardensprep.co.uk) or visit their website.
You can also read other related articles by Prince’s Gardens Preparatory School here.
