AN outdoor learning area has been installed at Fairfield Farm College following a grant from Westbury Area Board.

The £2,000 grant made last year allowed the college to start work on the shelter, which will be used by all of the students.

Pete Spittles, the college’s outdoor learning tutor, said: “We want to expand the curriculum to get the children interested in working outdoors.

“Lots of students expressed an interest in the idea so we’re delighted to now have it up and running.

“There are plenty of benefits to working outdoors as opposed to in a classroom including self-reliance, independent thinking and coming across scenarios they perhaps wouldn’t come across in a classroom.

“We had some students out there today and they all really enjoyed it. We did map reading exercises, made tea and coffee using a fire and made shelters.

“The activities students will do here are very similar to ones you would find on a Duke of Edinburgh award.’’ The shelter, once the grant was approved, was designed and hand-built by students in lessons with Mr Spittles’ assistance.

Helen Beer, marketing manager at the college, said: “It is essential as part of a healthy lifestyle that our youngsters get out and about and experience energetic outdoor activities in the fresh air.

“Many of our youngsters prefer to indulge in electronic entertainment and spend very little time outdoors in the open.

“So many skills can be learned or expanded on in the outdoors. Given the choice, many youngsters would not choose this kind of activity over gaming, but through timetabled sessions many discover a love of all things outdoors.

“We have had students go onto Duke of Edinburgh once they have discovered the potential for fun that exists away from a screen.

“We are always keen to extend our curriculum offer to ensure young people accessing FFC gain the most out of their course and learn many skills for their adult lives.”

To find out more about Fairfield Farm, visit http://ffc.ac.uk/