A SOLAR dome is being used as an outside classroom at a Basingstoke school – one of just two in the whole of Hampshire.

The £32,000 glass geometric shaped dome was built in the grounds of Park View Infant School, in Pinkerton Road, South Ham, using school funds and money raised by parents.

It is used by children to grow plants and as an extra place to learn. Alana Jubert, seven, said: “We have got some flowers and some tomatoes and courgettes. When it’s cold, it keeps them warm.”

The dome has ‘sound clouds’ attached to the ceiling, which soften the noise in the room. Laura Wilcock, who looks after the school’s gardens and who is also a sign language communicator, said: “We use the dome to look at the birds, and we have bought feeders so the children can connect with the outside world and see the nature around them.

“It’s a very useful alternative space to do work outside of the classroom.”

Park View was awarded the Silver Eco award for its commitment to the environment, and is now working towards a Green Flag status. Various measures have been introduced at the school to help the environment including biodriers, which are eco-friendly hand driers in the toilets; compost bins for fruit and vegetable waste and teabags; and a recycling bin.

A garden outside is used to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers, which are then harvested and sold to parents, or used by pupils to make soup to sell. The school also took part in walk to school week and is planning a scoot to school week this term, to reduce the carbon footprint of arriving in cars.