Learning Outside the Classroom
At our school we believe that Learning Outside the classroom gives children an opportunity to take their learning further than a classroom environment would usually allow. The outdoors can provide space and freedom for a type of learning that is difficult to replicate indoors, visit our outdoor learning area to find out more!
At our school we believe that Learning Outside the classroom gives children an opportunity to take their learning further than a classroom environment would usually allow. The outdoors can provide space and freedom for a type of learning that is difficult to replicate indoors. Over the last few years we have worked together as a school to consider how learning outside the classroom can be developed as a key element in our whole school curriculum.
We have developed our own school allotment, a memorial garden, redeveloped parts of the grounds into discovery gardens, developed Forest School provision with Communitree, used a lottery grant to redevelop our EYFS outdoor area and started to develop outdoor spaces for each of our classrooms.
Essentially learning outside the classroom may involve:
- Use of the school grounds
- Visits within and beyond the local community
- Trips
- Residential visits
The intent of our outdoor curriculum is:
- To raise the profile of outdoor learning as a framework for growth and development.
- To celebrate our outdoor space and the rich learning that can take place within it.
- For all children to use the outdoor area as a context for learning throughout the year.
- For all children to develop skills and independence in a widening range of environments.
- For all children to develop their curiosity and understanding of their physical and human world.
- For all children to socialise and interact in new and different ways with their peers and adults.
- To provide a safe, stimulating outdoor environment where space is used effectively to enable children to explore a broad and balanced curriculum using a range of interesting resources suitable to their individual needs.
- To raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage children to care for their environment.
- For all children to take ownership of outdoor play areas as they develop their gross motor skills through games and activities.
