Duke of Kent School is thrilled to announce the construction of ‘The Burrow’, a brand-new outdoor learning classroom, providing pupils with a unique and engaging environment to learn and explore. This serves as the next step in the School’s progression in developing outstanding outdoor learning provision. It fosters creativity, curiosity, and a deeper connection with nature while enhancing academic learning.

The Burrow will be equipped with seating areas, classroom resources, and nature-based educational tools to support subjects across the whole curriculum. Teachers will be able to use this space for hands-on experiments, storytelling, group discussions, and more, making lessons more dynamic and immersive by bringing the curriculum to life outdoors.

The official opening of The Burrow took place on Wednesday, 13th March. It was attended by Year 6 pupils, who have led the School’s progression through the Wilder Schools programme, teaching staff, Governors and individuals who have aided in its construction. The project is made possible through the generosity of Simon and Alyssa Bucknall, Duke of Kent School parents, who have funded this project. The Surrey Wildlife Trust, through their Wilder Schools programme, have also supported the School in enhancing our grounds for wildlife and how to make better use of our School’s beautiful setting.

The Burrow is a significant statement in Duke of Kent School’s commitment to embedding outdoor learning and awareness of the natural world around us into everyday life. Research has shown that outdoor learning can improve pupil focus, reduce stress, and enhance academic performance. By integrating outdoor education into the curriculum, Duke of Kent School aims to create meaningful learning experiences that promote both academic excellence and wellbeing.

During the opening, Year 6 read some super poems that they had written about The Burrow

The Burrow

The Burrow looks beautiful in the golden wood

Smooth chairs and a silky hood

It’s great for relaxing as you can see

For humans, bugs and honey bees

The trees outside are gorgeous too

And there are so many things that we can do

For example, collect lots of colourful leaves

Or count the birds that fly in the breeze

So keep on learning, and do your best

Then head to The Burrow for a well-earned rest

Layla B