Outdoor Learning
At Pennington C of E Primary School we believe that children are born ready to be and learn outside and with increasing sedentary lifestyles, movement outside is a critical life opportunity.
Outdoor learning improves child development, supports mental health and wellbeing, deepens nature connection and promotes more inclusive and engaging learning.
The benefits of outdoor learning are firmly recognised.
Why is outdoor learning important?
- Children’s mental health and wellbeing improves
There is an enormous body of research available showing that time spent in nature can improve children’s mental health and wellbeing. We believe that happier, healthier children are more motivated and eager to learn; a winning outcome from all angles.
- Children’s relationship with nature improves
We believe the beauty of combining important lessons with memorable experiences outside the classroom means that these moments in nature can be strengthened, and so too can children’s connection to, love and respect of the natural world.
- Education is more inclusive
At Pennington we recognise that all children are unique – they learn in different ways. Outdoor learning gives more scope for inclusive activities and overall mindset. There are more possibilities and opportunities for all pupils to be together, experiencing the same range of activities. Plus, the sensory immersion opportunities are far higher and children feel less tied to one specific mode of learning.
- Curriculum learning is enhanced
Learning outside is a way to deepen children’s learning experience by getting them to experience lessons in a new and exciting way. It provides practical, real-life experiences: the type that children truly take on board. These engaging experiences can teach brand new skills and also enhance problem solving, teamwork and thinking skills while feeding seamlessly into the curriculum.
- Child development is enhanced
Through outdoor learning experiences children can embrace a greater sense of freedom and independence: essential to their development. It boosts confidence, social skills, communication, motivation, physical skills, knowledge and understanding, alongside children’s self-esteem, self-confidence, ability to work cooperatively and positive attitude to learning.
Forest Schools
Forest Schools is an exciting and challenging form of outdoor learning. At Pennington we offer designated Outdoor Learning Days for each class.. Children have the opportunity to work outside for the day on a range of Forest school activities and cross curricular tasks.
Children look forward to working outdoors, developing skills and using tools which they may never have used before. Team work is an integral part of Forest Schools as is the use of play to develop children’s social skills with peers.
Leadership and listening skills are encouraged through carefully planned sessions so children feel safe in a new environment.
For more information on Forest Schools please use the link below;
Opal Play
At Pennington we have adopted ‘Opal Play’ Our vision is that every child in school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day.
Opal playtimes offer the children a wide range of activities and experiences to enhance all aspects of play including social, creative, problem solving, team building and physical skills.
To find out more please click the link below;
https://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/why-do-schools-need-great-play/
Our long term plan for Outdoor Learning Progression in Skills can be found through the following link below;