BRINGING the outdoors to life, Severn View Primary Academy is a truly unique school.

Head teacher Claire Wirth has strived over the last few years to make the school as green and sustainable as possible.

With the help of outdoor learning lead Adrianne Robertson, Claire has created a culture of caring for the environment and living a sustainable and green lifestyle. Children at the school learn about the cycle of life. Vegetables are grown in the grounds and inside their biodome.

All sorts of food is grown including lettuces, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and then the vegetables are used in the school lunches. Claire said: “We receive really positive feedback from parents with children going home and talking about what they have learnt and enjoyed outside.

“We witness such great fun being had by the children as they learn not only about the environment, but about themselves as they take part in activities.”

The pupils love the food because they are involved in making it, but as well because it tastes delicious.

Niko, the chef, said: “Everything is fresh, we grow it and then we eat it. The children get really involved and will bring me vegetables they have picked from the patches and then I will include them in meals.”

Another pupil, Alfie, 10, said: “I love the cherry tomatoes, everyone wants them so the teachers have to share them out.”

Nine-year-old Charlotte said she wants to grow plants and vegetables at home, she said: “My garden at home is like a jungle but we’re going to cut the grass so I can grow my own things.”

Niko, nine, said: “It’s really nice, and it has improved a lot since I’ve been here.”

The school tries to bring the outdoors into the lessons, the children may write poetry about gardens in English lessons, or painting flowers in art class.

Teaching the pupils the responsibility of growing vegetables and nurturing plants is very important at Severn View and looking after the natural world is central to the school’s core values.