PUPILS at Highgate Hill House School, in Whitstone, recently helped to create a living willow structure in the school grounds.

It is hoped the structure will be used as a quiet reading space and outdoor learning classroom.

Together with current pupil Jack Payn’s father and uncle, plus practical skills teacher Ollie Norton, the structure was built around a bench, which the pupils had previously created during lessons in the school’s design technology workshop.

The chosen area in the garden was cleared, weed suppressant sheeting was laid and the whole area covered in bark chips before the structure was erected. The willow rods will then self-root in the ground and continue to grow, which will add to the shape year on year, with new growth being woven back into the structure.

Headteacher Vicky Skelton said: “Hands-on opportunities like this where our pupils get to work on real-life projects are so valuable. It gives them a real sense of achievement to be involved in the development of our outdoor spaces, and helps to build their confidence. As a school, we pride ourselves on the unique and enjoyable learning experience that we offer our pupils, and this beautiful willow structure will certainly add to that.”

Founder and school director Sir Peter Birkett said: “We’d like to thank Jack’s dad and uncle for helping out with this project, and sharing the skills with the pupils. The willow structure will be a valuable space for the children and staff to enjoy the peace and quiet in our beautiful school grounds, for many years to come.”

Highgate Hill House School is an independent co-educational school for children aged five to 16 years with special educational needs.

For more information about the school visit the website www.hhhschool.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01288 341998.