John Battle MP to open primary school's new outdoor classroom

John Battle MP (Lab, Leeds West) will open a new outdoor classroom at Christ the King R.C. Primary School on Monday 9 July at 9.30am.

There will be an opportunity for photos with Mr Battle and the School Council, made up of pupils from all ages of the school.
Following the opening, Mr Battle will unveil a plaque to mark the retirement of Headteacher Martin Kromer, who is leaving Christ the King after 24 years at the school.

Mr Battle said: “I’m delighted to be asked to open this new outdoor classroom, which will be a great facility for the school in the years to come. The school has a real commitment to making sure its children have an active and healthy lifestyle – and this classroom is part of that commitment. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate the pupils and staff on getting this exciting new facility built."

Mr Battle also paid tribute to the work of long-standing Headteacher Martin Kromer. “He has given a huge amount to the school and it is right that a new plaque will recognise that. I know the staff and pupils will be sorry to see him go and he very much deserves our thanks and appreciation.”

The outdoor classroom has been built as part of Christ the King’s commitment to becoming a healthy and sustainable school.

It is intended to be an area that can be used by staff and children to enhance all areas of the curriculum, giving them opportunity to work with hands on approach to nature and to develop observational, recording and decision making skills. It is also intended to be used as an extension to the playground’s quiet zone, where children can go at playtime to read, draw and talk to their friends.

In the future it is hoped that the classroom can be developed further, and the school is consulting with the children to see how this can happen. The first step is to build gardening plots next to the outdoor classroom for each class to grow flowers and vegetables.

Martin Kromer, Headteacher said: “The garden is just one positive benefit for the children of us developing ourselves as a sustainable school. We are seeing healthier, fitter children who enjoy making decisions about and taking part in new activities.”

©John Battle MP 5 July 2007

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