Our school is a special place where children learn, thrive and grow. We believe that this acquiring skills and knowledge should continue far beyond the walls of the classroom whether that be in our outdoor areas or further afield as part of a planned enrichment opportunity.

We believe that every child should have regular access to learning outside the classroom which provides stimulating and challenging experiences.

It is clear that for learning to be successful and meaningful, better provision needs to be made for experiential or authentic learning in the world outside the classroom. The potential for learning is maximised if we use the powerful combination of physical, visual and naturalistic ways of learning, as well as our linguistic and mathematical intelligence. Therefore, we are very proud of achieving our Learning Outside the Classroom Silver Award!

 

Vision Statement for Learning outside the Classroom

Intent

We believe that growth and learning should surpass the walls of the classroom and continue into the outdoor areas of school. We aim to provide positive opportunities for interactions with the environment which inspires the resilient, adventurous and curious learners of the future.

At St Therese we teach a rich curriculum of outdoor learning so that the children have hands-on experiences through which they develop their understanding and application of our school values.  All outdoor learning is planned around the curriculum, which gives depth, enrichment and an outdoor perspective for our children. We want children to have the opportunity to be able to explore and learn outside throughout the year, experiencing the seasons and changing nature around them. We recognise that many of our children do not get the equal opportunities outside of school to experience the outdoors and nature. This is why outdoor learning is a central focus in our curriculum

Implementation

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision, which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. Outdoor learning is planned to enrich and enhance the children’s in-school learning experiences. Children also have opportunities to learn specific outdoor skills which link closely to successful learning outcomes, they will develop a respect for the environment, themselves and others; working within safe boundaries which they learn to recognise and manage themselves; self-regulation. Outdoor learning takes place on our extensive school grounds,  surrounding community and onto the wider area. 

Impact

By the time children leave our school they will: 

∙ Have enjoyed hands on experiences, learning outdoors which will add to their understanding and learning of a wide variety of curriculum areas 

∙ Have developed imagination and creativity through exploration of the outdoors 

∙ Have developed resilience through challenging activities and working in all weathers 

∙ Have developed co-operation skills through teamwork

 ∙ Have an understanding of nature, the world around us, growing plants and vegetables 

∙ Have contributed to the development of our school grounds and looking after the world around us.