School trips to space, the rainforest and even the ocean… thanks to opening of immersive suite at Donington Cowley Endowed Primary

School pupils have recently enjoyed visits to space, the rainforest and the bottom of the ocean… as well as a day trip to London.

These experiences are thanks to the new 3D immersive suite at Donington Cowley Endowed Primary School.

The school recently redeveloped one of its existing rooms to provide the facility for all children.

It is hoped the suite – which allows youngsters to experience the world virtually from the four walls and floor around them – to broaden experiences, particularly in light of the Covid pandemic.

“We are so proud to be able to offer a unique facility to our children to enhance learning, spark imagination and evoke curiosity,” explained headteacher Sophie Foston.

“Through the immersive experience available, our children’s knowledge and understanding of the world, vocabulary and written and spoken language will be enriched.

“We are extremely grateful to the Cowley Trust for bringing our vision to life and opening endless possibilities for discovery for the children of Donington Cowley Endowed Primary School.”

What is seen in the room can be tailored around the school’s curriculum and be used by children from reception to Year 6.

With widened experience the room will help broaden children's vocabulary building speech and language and writing skills.

This will also greatly support learners with additional needs in accessing learning through a totally sensory approach which provides tangible experience to what can be abstract concepts to many children.

Experiencing the room left county and district councillor Jane King, who is also a member of the Cowley Trust and vice-chair of the Donington Primary School Governing Body, ‘speechless’.

“The ideas are boundless and, although it had been explained to us exactly what the immersive suite is and can do, you cannot really imagine until you get in and see it for yourself,” she said.

Also impressed was Cowley Trust member Richard Wray.

“This is impressive and out of this world. It is nice to know that the Cowley Trust funds are being put to good, futuristic use,” he said.

Representatives of the student council also likened the room to being ‘in a different world’ and ‘lots of fun’.