A city school that goes out every week: parks, Collserola and the beach

Espai Aigua is in Guinardó, in the building of the former Tres Fonts state school. We have three playgrounds, a small vegetable patch and plenty of light. We understand that school does not only happen inside our building, and we like getting to know the neighbourhood and the opportunities it offers, such as the nearby squares, the libraries or CEM Guinardó. But we think it is especially important to inhabit the nature closest to us: parks, gardens, beaches and Collserola.

Why it matters

Nature is a source of exploration and inspiration. It is full of questions. Creativity is sparked, and it supports physical and emotional well-being. We learn with the whole body: walking, looking, touching…

Going out is also a way of learning to be in our natural habitat and of understanding the interdependence that exists there and the respect it deserves.

When our surroundings do not encourage this connection with the outdoors, it is harder for us to find what really interests us, and we get carried along by stimuli that interfere with the natural curiosity to understand the world. One of the most important things we do with children is, precisely, to accompany them in recognising their own interests and managing their capacity to choose.

Where we go (not just nature)

The primary groups go on weekly outings whose destination keeps changing: to the library, to the local parks (Parc del Guinardó, Parc Pla i Armengol, Parc de les Aigües), to Collserola, to the beach or to other green spaces in the city, museums, exhibitions… We aim for outings to be linked to projects in progress, whether as triggers of interest, as a source of research or as a place to meet and enjoy ourselves between one project and the next.

Once a week we go to the CEM Guinardó sports facilities, a few minutes from the school.

We also usually go on one outing a term and on a residential trip of a few days each school year.

And in early years?

One day a week, the early years groups spend half the morning at a small playground behind the school, between 11 am and 1 pm. From the end of the second term, the 5-year-old group, gradually and with care, and together with the primary groups, goes to Parc del Guinardó between 11 am and 2.30 pm.

What to know

Most outings are included in the fee. Exceptionally, some are paid separately during the year: as a general rule, some of the termly outings, if they are by coach or require some kind of ticket, and the residential trips. If a family has difficulty paying for them, we talk about it.

Would you like to get an idea of what a day at school is like? You can also come for a morning to visit us.