Teachers urged to use parks as classrooms

Teachers from schools across Manchester were shown how to use the city's parks and green spaces as classrooms at an event organised by Manchester City Council.

About 30 teachers from the city's schools went to the Spring Fling event, held at Heaton Park on Thursday June 26.

City Council environmental officers held a series of workshops, showing teachers how to organise outdoor games and educational activities for pupils such as pond dipping, in which youngsters investigate creepy crawlies living in ponds.

They were also shown how these activities can be used to teach students about nature and the environment, as well as subjects ranging from science and mathematics to art.

The City Council's environmental officers are now creating a handbook for Manchester's teachers which will be available during the autumn term, providing information about outdoor activities as well as where the nearest parks and other green spaces are to the city's schools.

Councillor Richard Cowell, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said: "This was an excellent event to show teachers how they can take advantage of the parks and green spaces which we're so lucky to have so many of in Manchester.

"The environment is such an important topic at the moment, and it's vitally important that youngsters are aware of the city's biodiversity. Outdoor activities can also be used very effectively to engage with pupils and help teach national curriculum subjects."

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