Artemis have been involved in a number of environmentally led school engagement programmes, and are keen to promote the benefits that children can discover through learning in an 'outdoor classroom'. Moreover increasing importance is being placed on this by the authorities. For instance two reports by Dfes (Learning Outside the Classroom, Manifesto, July 2007) and more recently, by Ofsted (Learning outside the classroom, October 2008) where recommendations were made to encourage schools to engage with the ‘Outdoor Classroom’.

‘We believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances’
- Learning Outside the Classroom, Manifesto, Dfes, July 2007

Aside from designs produced for schools, projects have included a series of introductory programmes to 3-Dimensional artwork such as stone carving and textile hangings through to the creation of theatre sets with contemporary dance students.

We have been working with a company in North Lincolnshire who have, through successful engagement with Public and Private Sector funding partners and local schools in his area, designed, built and project managed a number of school gardens. Artemis are one of four companies across the country who will be carrying out a small number of pilot projects close to them to help extend this initiative across the country.

The projects in Lincolnshire have also had the full support of well respected gardening professionals,

‘Anything we can do to raise an awareness of the benefits and the importance of growing plants among children is hugely important.’
– Alan Titchmarsh, for John Cavill of Simply Gardening (August, 2008)

These projects will help teachers to further enhance their pupils’ lifelong learning experiences of the outdoor environment, through ‘hands-on’ involvement with their unique project and ongoing engagement with landscape professionals. The pupils also gain a sense of ownership and respect for their gardens and carry out daily maintenance tasks during term time. Artemis also seek to ensure that mechanisms are in place to carry out essential maintenance when schools are closed.