Apple of their eye

Mosspits Lane Primary School, Liverpool were delighted to celebrate the installation of their new Apple Shelter.

Deputy headteacher, Karen Owens said: “The school have commissioned the design after researching ideas for different shelters to enhance outdoor provision for pupils.

“We have a long-term vision for developing inspirational learning spaces around school and re-engaging children with the outdoors and nature.

“We wanted an organic, rustic outdoors feel to the playground and surrounding areas with natural products as well as an eco theme. The school is on a  journey towards gaining eco-school status and the Apple Shelter fits this vision well.

“We intend to pick up the fruit theme and are looking at creating a fruit nursery and a small orchard on site, all of which will be used to enhance learning for pupils in subjects such as science and DT.

“We also plan to celebrate national apple day with tree dressing and apple pressing – using our apples for cookery projects.
The apple will be used as a quiet, reflective space for children during playtimes or it can fit a whole class for storytelling or circle time.

“We have also commissioned a Douglas fir sweet chestnut leaf pergola which will be fitted above the benches near to the apple. This has not been built yet, but is the first of its kind.

“The apple is handmade from UK grown FSC oak by Handspring Design and is steam bent and laminated in a unique process to make the curvy ribs. The floor and seats are also oak.

“They choose oak partly due to its deep cultural resonance but primarily due to its resilience and durability for outside – it will last for a very long time without needing treating or impregnating with the nasty chemicals that most softwood outdoor timber is treated with.”

The apple was opened by Year 6 pupils Thomas Fletcher and Poppy Kyriakides.