Outdoor Learning

"The best classroom and the richest cupboard is rooted only by the sky"

Intent

Our school environment lends itself to learning outdoors and as a school we are keen to consistently promote and develop our outdoor learning provision. Outdoor learning can help children to flourish across the curriculum whilst supporting the development of healthy and active lifestyles. It provides opportunities for children to have hands- on experiences through which they develop their understanding and application of our school values and successful learning skills.. We want our children to have the opportunity to explore and learn outside throughout the year, experiencing the seasons and changing nature around them.

Implementation

Our Christ Church Curriculum is shaped by our school vision, which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, to flourish to become the best version of themselves they can be. Outdoor learning is a key element in this.. Lessons are regularly planned for outdoor learning and an emphasis is placed on using our outdoor space as a valuable and unique resource. Each classroom has access to the outdoors and their own outdoor learning space and in addition there are class vegetable plots and weekly planned lessons outdoors where our children flourish and love to learn.

We plan many outdoor experiences including a weekly Forest School for our EYFS and Key Stage 1 children.

We include opportunities for school wide activities including Den making, camping and bonfires.

Impact

Our children will develop their imagination and creativity through exploration of the outdoors. They will develop perseverance through challenges and a respect for God's beautiful creation. They will have opportunities which will inspire them and ignite their spirituality through nature and the natural world.

They will have enjoyed hands-on experiences learning outdoors which will add to their understanding and learning across all curriculum areas.