A village school in Wrexham has unveiled a new outdoor learning space, created with the help of a dedicated carpentry lecturer and his students from Coleg Cambria. Mike Ward, a Carpentry and Joinery tutor at the college’s Bersham Road campus, has been working on the project at The Rofft School in Marford, enhancing the outdoor environment for its nursery and resource provision units.
Over the years, Mike has lent his expertise to numerous educational institutions across the region, designing and building a variety of items, including planters, sheds, and playground equipment. His latest work at The Rofft School involved constructing an outdoor classroom, complete with seating, a gazebo, a shelter, a reading den, and a stage. In addition, Mike and his students created activity boards and other timber structures for the school’s learning support unit (LSU), much to the delight of teachers and pupils alike.
Speaking about the project, Mike said: “These are some of the most recent additions to the school. We also built several items last year, such as wigwams, fences, and a shed. This is stage two of the project, and it was a pleasure to help. Outdoor learning is so important for children, and I’m glad the students and staff like what we’ve done. I hope the children enjoy using these new spaces for years to come.”
The partnership between Coleg Cambria and The Rofft School has been an ongoing effort, with previous contributions from Mike and his students already having a significant impact on the school’s outdoor learning spaces. Emma Roberts, a teacher at The Rofft School, expressed her gratitude for the support the school has received.
“We are absolutely delighted with the help we’ve had from Coleg Cambria,” said Emma. “The team has completely transformed our outdoor learning environments, turning the children’s ideas into reality. Without their support, we would never have been able to provide the large-scale structures that the children now use every day.”
Emma emphasised how the new facilities have had a positive impact on the pupils, aiding in the development of literacy, numeracy, and other key skills. “The provision we now have has been fantastic for the children’s growth, giving them a wonderful environment to learn and explore,” she added.
The collaboration has also provided an invaluable opportunity for the college’s students, who have been able to apply their skills to real-world projects. “It’s been an incredible experience for the learners at Coleg Cambria to be part of something that makes such a difference in the community. We are looking forward to continuing this partnership in the future,” Emma said.
Looking ahead, the next stage of the school’s outdoor development involves the creation of a kitchen garden, with Mike and his students already planning new features, including planters and other structures to enhance the space further.
