

We’re feel fortunate in the Perth Hills to be on nature’s doorstep, but does operating a College surrounded by trees, native fauna and wildlife really make a difference to learning outcomes for our students?
Researchers at the University of Western Australia have found contact with nature can be associated with several health benefits for children, such as improved cognitive function, increased creativity, improved interaction with adults, increased attention spans and reduced rates of stress and aggression.
In particular a focus on educators and education settings, showed the following key benefits:
At Helena we believe outdoor, tactile experiences in nature can influence how our students feel and behave, and are largely responsible for some of the fondest memories they form while at our campuses in Darlington and Glen Forrest.
We’re lucky not to have to spend time and money on greening our school playgrounds. Being geographically, biologically and organically immersed in a nature-filled learning environment (and part of a sustainably conscious community), is quite simply, already our way of life at Helena College.