How can school buildings and grounds support and enhance curriculum learning
Richard Dunne, The Harmony Project

With schools increasingly developing nature-based learning, The Harmony Project explores how buildings and grounds bring curriculum learning to life. This session shares practical lessons from primary school case studies across contrasting UK localities, highlighting how sustainable design principles link to the Harmony approach and curriculum. Beautiful, nature-connected learning environments enhance educational outcomes, student wellbeing, and community engagement. Drawing from real-world experience, this session explores replicable strategies: balancing heritage craft with innovation, engaging stakeholders meaningfully, achieving environmental performance, and creating spaces nurturing academic excellence and human flourishing. Discover actionable insights for designing education estates that serve generations.

Girls just wanna have... Space: Designing inclusive outdoor spaces in schools
Edward Woodhouse, Mott MacDonald

Most school grounds are designed around a narrow idea of play—and girls lose out. This session reveals how small design shifts can unlock big gains in inclusion, confidence, and engagement. Using evidence on how girls actually use (and avoid) outdoor spaces, we’ll show how to create landscapes that feel safer, more social, and more varied. Designing with girls in mind doesn’t limit anyone; it elevates the whole environment and delivers outdoor spaces that work better for every student.