To mark National Garden Day on 14th April 2025, Killard House School, Donaghadee, has officially opened its new outdoor classroom and sensory area – a transformative initiative funded by Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund.
Designed to promote well-being, enhance learning, and inspire creativity, the space is already making a significant impact within the school community, providing a calming environment that brings students and teachers together in a space that nurtures growth, confidence, and connection.
Rebecca Lowry, teacher at Killard House School, commented “Our new outdoor classroom gives students a safe space where they can regulate their emotions and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
“At Killard House, we support young people with complex needs, and the sensory elements within our new garden will be a valuable tool in helping with a wide range of educational requirements.
“The project is not only giving students a chance to learn about nature and the environment but is also helping to develop important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity – skills that will support them well into adulthood.
“This would not have been possible without the generous support of Belfast City Airport and its Community Fund.”
Killard House School provides specialist education for around 220 pupils aged 4-19 and is dedicated to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
This vision is strongly aligned with Belfast City Airport’s longstanding commitment to giving back to the local community, to which it has contributed over £656,000 to 231 projects across Northern Ireland.
Anna McKelvey, Community Fund Ambassador at Belfast City Airport, said: “Killard House School’s sensory garden is a perfect example of how outdoor learning spaces can enrich education, foster inclusion, and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
“At Belfast City Airport, community is at the heart of everything we do, and we are dedicated to having a positive impact by supporting local projects that strengthen our vibrant local community.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how a simple outdoor environment can spark joy, support emotional well-being, and open up new ways of learning. That’s the true value of projects such as this, creating meaningful experiences that will stay with these young people for years to come.”
