Willow in schools

Working in schools with willow

Out to Learn Willow works in consultation with schools, teachers and children in design and construction of their chosen willow project.

Our workshops are fun, exciting and educational and are available throughout the year.

We work with all key stages and tailor the day to your needs.

Living willow structure workshops

During the winter months living willow structures such as domes, tunnels and arbours can be constructed. Living willow structures are a great way of enhancing school grounds for pupils and for use in teaching the National Curriculum.

Planting a living willow structure is a ‘hands on’ learning experience which allows children to be directly involved in developing their own school grounds.

Willow is a fantastic material for children to use. Not only is it a great play resource, it can also be used as a springboard for cross curricular activities including maths, science, art, geography and ecology.

Children love creating willow structures as they can use their imagination while learning about shapes, numbers and nature. It also teaches them responsibility and environmental awareness.

Willow structures are not just interesting to create they also grow from early spring to late autumn. General maintenance and weaving new growth back into the structure can keep pupils involved throughout the year.

Willow sculpture workshops

Workshops for large dried willow sculptures such as badgers, owls, large storytelling are available, children can be involved in the planning and design of their sculpture as well as the weaving of the chosen design. Or a variety of small sculptures that include crowns, flowers, boats, stars, fish can be made during a day workshop.

We also offer a Christmas workshop which includes making a variety of small Christmas decorations with children which can then be sold at Christmas Fairs plus a large woven Christmas Tree which can either be raffled or kept for school use. Schools with living willow structures are encouraged to harvest their willow and make use of it during this workshop.

All living and dried willow projects can help you achieve Education for Sustainable Development and Outdoor Learning Targets. See our curriculum links section for more details.

Willow in the curriculum

Working with willow can help to achieve a truly creative curriculum. Living willow and dried willow projects can also help you achieve Education for Sustainable Development and other outdoor learning targets.

LITERACY
• Instruction writing • Group discussion • Speaking and listening • Outdoor story telling

NUMERACY
• Measuring • Counting • Shape • Pattern • Size

SCIENCE
• Plants - growing • Propagation • Conditions for plants to thrive • Biodiversity
• Photosynthesis

HISTORY
• Celtic and viking homes • Traditional baskets • The Cyntell and Welsh shopper
• The Coracle

ESDGC
• Eco Schools • Caring for plants • Improving school grounds • Biodiversity
• Maintaining habitats • Citizenship

ART
• Pattern • Weaving • 2D and 3D sculpture • Design
• Inspiration for drawing and sketching • Making and using willow charcoal
• Traditional craft

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
• Planning • Materials and their properties • Structure building • Using tools
• Evaluating and reporting

PSE
• Curriculum enrichment • Team work • Environmental education • Health and safety
• Outdoor learning • Fine and gross motor skills

Workshops and projects
We can structure our workshops to suit your requirements

Projects can include: Willow Weaving - Progression of Skills, Mini beasts, Habitats - planting a willow bed, Structures, Lanterns, Baskets, Pattern in Art

Key Stage 1 & 2 workshops are available at the cost of £250 per day exclusive of materials. Travel expenses will be charged if the venue is more than 30 miles away.

All workshops are delivered by trained teachers with a current DBS check.

We have a variety of willow kits for you to choose from or we also offer a bespoke design service which includes full working drawings - contact us for a quotation.

If you are interested in organising a workshop for your school or want to find out more about our willow workshops please contact us on 01656 881007/07764 961095 or email us, info@outtolearnwillow.co.uk

We work with all key stages and tailor the day to your needs

Inset days building a dome or a tunnel can also be arranged.