Outdoor Learning
“I love doing lots of crafty stuff with mud!” Charles, Year 2
Outdoor learning is a highlight that our pupils and staff look forward to each week. Set in private woodlands, every child has the opportunity to feel free, become closer to nature and enjoy the benefits the outdoors offer; from fresh air to investigating and getting muddy! Outdoor learning is completely inclusive with opportunities that help to create a rounded child with all the forest school ‘SPICES’ ingredients. Challenges are on offer but children have choice and can adapt these challenges to participate in a way that fulfils them the most.
As a school, we combine all our Pre-Prep children for weekly outdoor learning sessions. Watching the pupils working together in collaborative groups, learning from one another and creating memories, is precious. Weekly challenges with the introduction of skills and then progression of these over the year, gives the children confidence and it’s always lovely to see how they adapt these skills for independent challenges, frequently creating masterpieces that they are proud of.
Outdoor learning combines in school events with woodland challenges. A highlight is making natural Christmas decorations in the woods that were used to adorn the school Christmas tree, which each pupil proudly placed on our tree. The smiles and enthusiasm that come back to school each week is heart-warming and our photos are a testament to this!