GEMS Wesgreen International School – Sharjah’s new facility aims to inspire students’ love for nature by offering immersive nature-based learning

Dubai, Nov 14, 2023: GEMS Wesgreen International School – Sharjah (WGP) has launched the emirate’s first forest school and school farm, with the aim to promote sustainability, well-being and environmental stewardship. 

The forest school and farm have been designed as an immersive, interactive and experience-rich outdoor classroom, offering students a unique, hands-on nature-based learning experience that fosters a connection with the environment.  

Students experience a holistic and cross-curricular learning approach that integrates subjects and skills including language, science, maths and creativity. 

Dino Varkey, Group Chief Executive Officer, GEMS Education says, “It is the first initiative of its kind in the emirate and embodies the commitment to sustainability and practical, hands-on learning about our climate and wildlife that both GEMS Education and this school have long embraced. 

“We hope that our students are inspired by their experiences of the animals and the forest school and gain a deeper understanding as part of their all-round education of our amazing planet and the importance of preserving it for the generations that will follow us. My message to the Wesgreen community and beyond is: experience, learn, and enjoy to the full.” 

The school farm features a variety of animals, ranging from goats and rabbits to tortoises, pigeons, hens and exotic birds including cockatiels, finches and peacocks. The living environment fosters in students an awareness of animals’ needs while also instilling responsibility and shaping a strong sense of environmental consciousness. 

Additionally, the forest activities further enhance the students’ commitment to sustainable practices such as organic farming, composting, recycling, and waste reduction.