On Thursday, 6 March 2025, 23 Year 11 pupils visited the Hyde Park Learning Centre to participate in a Practical Investigation Day – which is run by The Royal Parks charity for Key Stage 4 students.
I’m Nicky Saunders, Learning Officer for The Royal Parks, and was delighted to work with the group.
We had stunning early spring weather, with sunshine and blue skies all day, which always helps when you are undertaking outdoor learning.
The group were brilliant and got stuck into all the activities; surveying plants using quadrats and taking measurements of the light levels, soil moisture and compaction in the meadow adjacent to the Learning Centre.
In the afternoon we investigated the invertebrate population of the Learning Centre pond, with much excitement over the different species we found which included, dragonfly nymphs, water boatmen, many fly larvae and even some mating toads were spotted, with their string-like spawn beginning to emerge in the pond.
I must admit I love the work I do with groups, and it is always a pleasure to work with such an engaged and fun group. Some of the quotes from the students did make me laugh!
The teaching staff were also really interested and supportive of the activities and a fun day was had by all! I look forward to welcoming Normanhurst School back to Hyde Park in the future.
Nicky Saunders – Workshop Co-Ordinator
