St Luke's brings the outside in with the opening of its external classroom

The wooden structure will enable pupils to study in all weathers when they are learning about the environment.

"They'll now have somewhere to sit, write, draw and read without having to worry if it's raining, snowing or too hot outside," explained St Luke's Headteacher, Theresa Aanonson.

"When we first designed this building and looked at what we wanted, we really wanted an outside classroom. It's taken us a long time to get here, but it's been worth the wait."

Opening the outside classroom on Friday 3 April, London City Airport's Chief Executive, Richard Gooding, said: "It gives me very great pleasure to come here today and cut this ribbon to bring this outdoor classroom into use."

The airport has been a long time supporter and friend of St Luke's since it arrived in Canning Town 13 years ago.

Said Richard: "St Luke's is an important fixture in the community and so are we. This school always raises its eyes above the horizon when it comes to improving its pupils' vision."

Pupils, teachers, parents and School Governors were among the excited crowd to see the opening of the outside classroom.

Six-year-old Umran Tuglu said the classroom was "brilliant". "We have been waiting all these years and it's like a dream come true."

Jazmae Caprice (8) said she was "looking forward to using the outside building", while Shaznay Joao, aged 10, added: "We now have somewhere to go to really learn about nature."

The outdoor classroom now joins St Luke's growing outside oasis, which also includes an Eco Garden where pupils grow their own vegetables and flowers; a bee sanctuary, bird feeding stations, Mediterranean patio, butterfly hedge and a Monet Reflective Garden.

Commenting on St Luke's environmental achievements, Newham Councillor and St Luke's Vice Chair of Governors, Neil Wilson, said: "St Luke's has really made a great effort in putting the green agenda at the heart of its teaching and learning programmes."