Auce school creates outdoor classroom with local support

Auce Secondary School has been holding lessons in a new outdoor classroom since the start of this school year, with the project backed by local residents, LSM reported, citing Zemgale Regional Television.

The Green Classroom lets pupils study outside and learn by observing and handling natural materials. Eleventh-grader Alina Baltute said the approach makes biology easier to learn. Biology and chemistry teacher Undine Juhna said the space could also be used for visual arts and Latvian lessons, provided activities are meaningful.

The idea came from parent Santa Kalnina, whose project won 223 votes in Dobele municipality’s participatory budgeting contest. She said the school had lacked a suitable place for outdoor lessons.

A pavilion for the classroom was built this summer for just under 8,000 euros on a plot that had previously been wet and overgrown with bushes. School director Indra Spela said plants had been added to make the setting look more natural.

The Green Classroom is due to be completed next year, when a base, benches and a table will be installed. Dobele municipal council deputy chair Edgars Gaigalis said residents’ involvement was important in carrying out projects like this, and that parents should take part in all aspects of children’s education.