Outdoor Learning
Intent
At St. Peter’s, we value outdoor learning because it provides children with hands-on experiences through which they develop their understanding and application of our school values and successful independent learning skills.
All outdoor learning is planned around the curriculum currently being studied, 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.
Implementation
All our teaching staff hold a Learning Outside the Classroom Level 1 practitioner certificate. Outdoor learning is planned to enrich and enhance our children’s learning experiences. Children also have opportunities to learn specific outdoor skills which link closely to successful learning behaviours. For example, using flint and steel to light fires which teaches them about fire safety, respect for the environment, themselves and others, working within safe boundaries and self-regulation. Outdoor learning takes place in our extensive school grounds, which includes our Forest School, in our local area and on visits further afield, including residential stays and outdoor adventure activities.
Impact
By the time they leave St. Peter’s, all our children will have enjoyed regular, hands-on outdoor learning experiences which will have added to their understanding and learning of a wide variety of curriculum areas. Exploring the outdoors will have allowed our children to develop their imagination and creativity. They will have developed resilience through the completion of a wide range of challenging activities and from working outside in all weathers. Children will have a good understanding of nature, the world around us and how to grow plants and vegetables, and will have made a significant contribution to the development of our school grounds.