🌿 A Sunny Day of Discovery at Logan Botanical Gardens! 🌞
What an amazing day we had on our partnership trip to the beautiful Logan Botanical Gardens! Pupils from St Joseph’s and Portpatrick Primary came together for a day full of sunshine, nature, exploration, and creativity – and we couldn’t have asked for better weather or better company! 🚌💚
P1–3: A Garden Adventure with Miss Scott 🧸🌸
The younger pupils set off on an exciting garden hunt to find a very special someone… Edward the Bear! Armed with clues and plenty of curiosity, the children explored the gardens, winding through paths, spotting colourful flowers, and learning about the many amazing properties of plants along the way.
We touched leaves, noticed shapes, compared textures, and talked about what makes each plant unique. It was a wonderful hands-on learning adventure, and the children were absolutely delighted when they finally found Edward waiting for them back at the tent! 🎉🐻
P4–7: Framing Nature with Miss Lisi & Mr Morrison 📸🍃
The older pupils took part in a brilliant photography and observation workshop, where they learned how to take a meaningful photo by really noticing the world around them.
We started by walking around the gardens and exploring different angles, contrasts, and views. The children were given mini photo frames to hold up and use to focus on certain scenes – experimenting with what looked beautiful when framed. It was a great way to slow down and really see the natural world. 👀🌺
Next, they each chose a comfy spot to sit, picked a leaf, and placed it into a special cardboard viewer. Holding it up to the light, they could see the veins, shapes, and structures inside the leaf – it was like nature’s stained glass window! The game became even more fun when the clicker sounded and everyone passed their leaf on to try a new one. The patterns and details were amazing! 🔆🍂
To finish off, the group split in two:
- One group used real cameras to take their own creative photos based on what they’d learned.
- The other group went on an un-nature trail challenge, spotting things in the garden that didn’t quite belong. They looked closely at the landscape, sharpening their observation and teamwork skills. Then the groups swapped so everyone had a go at both activities.
The children’s photos will be sent to the schools soon – we can’t wait to see the results and celebrate their fantastic efforts! 🖼️✨
A Sunny Picnic to End a Brilliant Day 🧺☀️
After all the adventure, discovery, and creativity, everyone reunited for a picnic lunch in the sunshine. Pupils from both schools enjoyed relaxing together, sharing stories, and having a good run around in the fresh air. There was laughter, friendship, and a real sense of togetherness – the perfect end to a perfect day! 🌳🍓
A huge thank you to the team at Logan Botanical Gardens for welcoming us so warmly and offering such a magical learning experience. We’re so grateful to the staff who guided us, the volunteers who kindly helped on the day, and everyone who made this trip so special. 💐👏
It was a wonderful day of partnership, play, learning and laughter – one we’re sure the children won’t forget anytime soon! 🌻
#PartnershipTrip #LoganBotanicalGardens #OutdoorLearning #NatureExplorers #CreativeKids #Teamwork #StJosephs #StPatricks #SunshineAndSmiles #HandsOnLearning 🍃📷🧺
UNCRC Articles covered:
- Article 12 – Right to be heard – Pupils expressed themselves through their observations, photography choices, and contributions during the trip. They were active participants, not just passive learners.
- Article 13 – Right to freedom of expression – Especially relevant to the photography activity – pupils creatively expressed how they saw the world through images and shared their ideas visually.
- Article 24 – Right to the best possible health – This includes access to clean environments, fresh air, exercise, and learning how to stay healthy – all of which were promoted through time outdoors, movement, and connection with nature.
- Article 29 – Education must develop respect for the environment – The trip fostered appreciation and understanding of the natural world, encouraging environmental stewardship and curiosity.
- Article 31 – Right to play – Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in cultural and artistic activities.
SDG Goals linked:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
SHANARRI Indicators:
- Healthy – Pupils enjoyed time outdoors, physical activity, and mindful exploration.
- Active – Engaging in garden hunts, walking trails, and photography tasks.
- Included – Every pupil took part in their group’s activities and the shared picnic.
- Achieving – Learning new skills and knowledge through observation and creativity.
- Nurtured – Supported by staff, volunteers, and peers in a calm, enriching setting.
Meta-Skills:
- Focusing – Pupils concentrated on detailed observation during photography and nature tasks.
- Collaborating – Working together on challenges and group activities across schools.
- Adapting – Embracing new environments, people, and learning methods.
- Curiosity – Asking questions and exploring the gardens with interest and wonder.
- Creativity – Framing photos, interpreting shapes and patterns in nature.
Strands of Faith:
- Hours of God – Taking time to appreciate and reflect in nature.
- In the Image of God – Recognising the beauty and diversity of creation.
- Reign of God – Showing kindness, joy, and respect in community and shared learning.
