KIDS are looking forward next term to swapping their stuffy classroom for the great outdoors. Pupils from Old Ford Primary are just a few blocks from East London’s famous Victoria Park. So their teachers think it’s the ideal place for some of their lessons, especially PE (pictured) and their wildlife subject

By Mike Brooke

KIDS are looking forward next term to swapping their stuffy classroom for the great outdoors.

Pupils from Old Ford Primary are just a few blocks from East London's famous Victoria Park.

So their teachers think it's the ideal place for some of their lessons, especially PE (pictured) and their wildlife subject.

The Year-1 kids couldn't agree more-they've already had some lessons in the park before they broke up for the summer last month.

LEARNING OUTSIDE

"The five and six-year-olds really enjoy learning outside," said Hanako Miyao, head of Year-1 at the school.

"The children learn from first-hand experience and it helps to develop their confidence and independence.

"It's been such a success, that we're looking at doing if for other years as well."

Outside lessons have also included geography and science.

NEW SKILLS

The children have learnt lots of new skills with the help of Tower Hamlets park rangers.

They have planted bulbs and shrubs, discovered the wildlife in the ponds, taken part in a litter pick and made rafts from materials they found.

Around 90 children will be walking over to Vicky Park with their teachers and helpers for their lessons every Monday afternoon next term.

Tower Hamlets Council has reached Stage-2 of a �5 million National Heritage funding bid to refurbish Victoria Park. It holds a two-day public consultation next Saturday and Sunday (August 15 and 16) with a hot-air balloon taking youngsters up 90ft up for a bird's eye view of the proposals.