Celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh and his Groundforce team can complete a garden makeover in just two days ... but a team of enthusiasts at The Forum School found it took them a little longer than that, particularly as they wanted plenty of purpose-built educational equipment included in the project.

Framed by beautiful Dorset hills, the newly completed trail encompasses almost every aspect of the school curriculum. Its design and creation was inspired by therapy co-ordinator Jaki How, who has supervised much of the work personally. But it was a team effort when it came to adding the final finishing touches earlier in the term and 150 staff from all disciplines joined together for a team-building day to complete the project.

Head at The Forum School, Gay Waters, said, "I always felt that this part of the grounds was a waste of space because it was so underused. We have managed, with the curriculum trial, to extend the learning environment in a really innovative way. Many children love to be outdoors and the great thing is that they just think they are having fun and don't realise they are also learning."

Each separate area is clearly signposted and contains large plastic bins full of equipment. Two huge triangular sails in bright red and green double up to mark the maths area and provide shelter from the sun on a warm summers day. A permanent amphitheatre complete with seating is set slightly to one side of the main lawn for drama and a geographical area complete with weather station is already proving popular with the children.

It is when you wander further into the garden that you discover some of the hidden gems. There is an area for story-telling that makes good use of a fallen tree, now expertly carved into rustic furniture. A quiet area for religious study is particularly relaxing and leads onto a walk that displays sculpture specially prepared in art lessons at the school.

A favourite with the children is the music tree complete with hanging instruments and there are plenty of water boatmen to be fished out of the pond during science sessions.

Actor Geoff Leesley, parent of former Forum pupil Sam, formally opened the curriculum trail on the last day of school before the summer half term, when parents were visiting to collect their children and take them home. Children dressed Caribbean style followed a Samba band through the grounds and trail, some danced with ribbons whilst others played drums in the amphitheatre.