A NEW teaching space has sprung up at a Bury school to give pupils the freedom to learn outside.

The Derby High School will host a celebration event next week to mark the opening of its 'Steam Garden'.

The idea stemmed from the students desire to have a seated area where they could relax outside during break times.

Following a full consultation, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Garden was born.

To mark the official opening, the community has been invited to a festival which promises musical and theatrical performances, a variety of stalls to browse, games, food and activities linked to the STEAM curriculum areas.

Lynn Provoost, Derby’s Director of Arts, said: "We believe the Arts can empower all areas of our curriculum, and be the beating heart of the garden, intertwined with an invigorating curriculum that enables our students to flourish."

Ms Provoost has been working in partnership with Curious Minds, a charity championing cultural education, who have funded the garden project.

Students have also played an active role in bringing the outdoor space to life, undertaking projects such as the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) annual 'Green Plan It Challenge'.

The young people have also been approaching businesses to appeal for financial support for the future of the project.

Landscape architect Rachel Gildert helped form the plans for the garden, which comprises features and stimuli relevant to the STEAM subjects, and has been constructed by Groundwork Landscapes Limited.

Visitors are invited to the opening on Thursday between 6 and 8pm.