Outdoor Learning
Research shows that when children learn outside they are often more engaged, their language skills improve and they develop confidence.
We are exploring ways of using our brilliant school grounds more and more to support children's learning.
Mrs .Wheatland leads our outdoor curriculum and is currently busy developing our garden and pond area with support from the children. We have recently been successful in securing some funding to enhance our outdoors even further and Mrs. Wheatland has had great fun ordering lots of new resources that will allow the children to learn even more about nature and the outdoors.
Each class will also get the chance to participate in Forest School with Mrs. Rodgers on a Friday afternoon. The classes have a block of Forest School sessions on rotation and our dedicated Forest School space is now taking shape.
The key objectives in learning outside are:
- enhancing and developing the curriculum (including outdoor science and awareness of environmental issues)
- building character through team-building activities and projects that promote our school values of resilience, determination and tolerance
- developing communication skills and listening skills and increasing vocabulary
We continue to follow the OPAL (Outdoor Play & Learning) approach during lunchtimes, where children from KS2 are able to choose when they come inside to eat and there are a wide range of activities to choose from. Children are allowed to climb certain trees, play on the trim trail, play sports in the MUGA, have dressing up costumes, have some quiet time in the garden area and much more.