NORTH HAVEN LEARNING GROUNDS PROJECT
Our Vision:
"Create a better community and bring students closer to the environment." Brooklyn, Gr. 6
Why are we creating a learning grounds at North Haven School?
Shade and Natural Elements
North Haven School has a large school yard with no trees, shrubs or opportunities for shade in areas accessible during outdoor breaks, except in the shadow of the school building.
Accessibility
The current yard limits access for those with mobility challenges including students, community members, visiting grandparents or those pushing strollers. Accessible pathways will connect the school building with play and gathering areas allowing use of the space regardless of mobility.
Access to Nature
Natural play and exposure to naturalized spaces are related to better mental health outcomes and encourage self-regulation in children. The creation of a natural area in place of grass will create interest and provide the opportunity to recharge mentally, reset and relax.
Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Call to Action #63 includes incorporating K-12 curriculum and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples' Canadian history including acknowledgement of residential schools.
North Haven School has a large school yard with no trees, shrubs or opportunities for shade in areas accessible during outdoor breaks, except in the shadow of the school building.
Accessibility
The current yard limits access for those with mobility challenges including students, community members, visiting grandparents or those pushing strollers. Accessible pathways will connect the school building with play and gathering areas allowing use of the space regardless of mobility.
Access to Nature
Natural play and exposure to naturalized spaces are related to better mental health outcomes and encourage self-regulation in children. The creation of a natural area in place of grass will create interest and provide the opportunity to recharge mentally, reset and relax.
Responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
Call to Action #63 includes incorporating K-12 curriculum and learning resources on Aboriginal peoples' Canadian history including acknowledgement of residential schools.
Student Engagement
Students have actively participated in planning the North Haven Learning Grounds, making observations of the schoolyard, and creating project designs.
Some factors they considered included:
● A place for doing - which offered opportunities for physical activities, for “doing” all kinds of
things amongst nature based objects, develop new skills, to find challenges and take risks.
● A place for thinking - which provided opportunities for inquiry, study and learning, which
allowed us to explore and discover and understand more about the world we live in.
● A place for feeling - which presented colour and beauty and interest, which fostered a sense
of ownership and pride and belonging
● A place for being - which allowed students to “be” themselves, read,”hang out”
Some factors they considered included:
● A place for doing - which offered opportunities for physical activities, for “doing” all kinds of
things amongst nature based objects, develop new skills, to find challenges and take risks.
● A place for thinking - which provided opportunities for inquiry, study and learning, which
allowed us to explore and discover and understand more about the world we live in.
● A place for feeling - which presented colour and beauty and interest, which fostered a sense
of ownership and pride and belonging
● A place for being - which allowed students to “be” themselves, read,”hang out”
Student Design
The winning concept following student voting, was created by a Grade 5 student. This has now being transformed into a project design. You can see a the full design below.
Where is it Going?
An underused area on the North West side of the school grounds has been selected for the main learning ground location. Currently, it is a grassy area with a gradual slope with no engaging features.
North Haven Learning Grounds Project Design
The final design created be reGenerate, includes pathways, trees, native plants, an amphitheatre and plaza area.
Phase 1
Phase 1 is focused on the area to the northwest of the school building. Construction will begin this year (summer 2022) and includes:
- Outdoor Classroom with Boulders
- Accessible Pathways
- Boardwalk
- Meadow
- planting
- Outdoor Classroom with Boulders
- Accessible Pathways
- Boardwalk
- Meadow
- planting
Phase 2
Phase 2 is focused on the area to the northeast of the school by the swings and the playground. It includes:
- Plaza with benches
- Obstacle play area
- Accessible Pathways
- Additional planting
- Indigenous Artwork
- Plaza with benches
- Obstacle play area
- Accessible Pathways
- Additional planting
- Indigenous Artwork
Finalized Design for Summer 2022
Phase 1 Completion - end of August 2022
We have achieved a very exciting point in the North Haven Learning Grounds Project. Phase 1 is now complete! The Learning Grounds are able to be used by students at the school and the larger community.
The North Haven Learning Grounds features a three tiered amphitheatre created with large boulders, new pathways to access the amphitheatre, several trees, many bushes and shrubs and a wolf mural installation.
We are looking forward to seeing the school and larger community start to use the space and watching the trees and bushes grow and fill out the space.
Learning Grounds Reports
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