Learning in a natural environment enables children to learn to take risks and learn to succeed with small, achievable tasks. They learn to manage their own risk levels to achieve personal safety. Children learn best from hands on experiences. Exploring, playing and therefore learning using a range of activities and senses is what learning outdoors is all about.

The tasks the children undertake promote the development of self-confidence, patience, independence and determination to succeed. These tasks will include:

Each year, every child in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 will spend a focus week in our outdoor classroom, learning about the natural environment and acquiring new skills. The sessions are not an ‘addition’ but are part of the children’s learning journey, part of our school year.

They will participate in a range of planned activities and will also have 'free time' in which they can pursue their own interests or revisit previous activities. These sessions will take place at different times each year to allow children to experience the full range of seasons and weather types.

They will participate in a range of planned activities and will also have ‘free time’ in which they can pursue their own interests or revisit previous activities.

EYFS children will take part in sessions throughout the year.

It is important that all children have appropriate clothing suitable for all weather conditions. As the activities will be taking place outside, children should wear old, comfortable clothing which they can get muddy.

In the winter months, children will need to come prepared for each session with:

In the summer months, children will need to come prepared for each session with: