Outdoor Learning

Intent Statement

At Buckshaw Primary School are very proud of our vibrant and stimulating learning environment in our community school situated on the edge of Astley Park. We have a strong ethos for outdoor learning and believe that it can be used in many cross curricular areas to strengthen and deepen pupils understanding and knowledge and create real life experiences for all pupils.

Through outdoor learning pupils will become confident, resilient and determined learners. We believe that by regularly going outdoors we develop good routines and habits which support good mental health and wellbeing for the future.

We are lucky to be in a position where our children can easily be exposed to their natural environment enabling them to gain understanding and respect for the natural world and all that lives within it.

We aspire to build strong relationships with our community and nurture a sense of belonging. We believe that by exploring our surrounding community and further afield enable the children to understand their place in the world.

Implementation

Outdoor Learning and Adventurous at Buckshaw Primary School provides stimulating and enjoyable learning through cross curricular activities in the school grounds, local community, further afield educational visits and residentials.

At present Outdoor Learning and Adventurous is taught cross-curricular supporting different subject areas of the school curriculum and this ensures that the requirements of the National Curriculum are fully met.

Pupils in the EYFS will participate in outdoor continuous provision daily, with one outdoor lesson per week taught and one community visit per half term. Pupils in KS1 will participate in outdoor continuous provision daily based on subject taught. KS1 and KS2 will have two outdoor lessons per week and two community visit per half term. In addition, children are encouraged to participate in the varied range of extra-curricular and Forest School activities.

At Buckshaw we use of SeeSaw and floor books to assist with evidencing and assessing each child’s learning, through this the children are able to reflect on their own learning, receive supportive feedback and given appropriate challenge to achieve.

Impact

Our Outdoor Learning and Adventurous experiences will further enhance the whole school curriculum big picture. Lessons are planned and based on the needs of our children and reflect our school values, creating a challenging, safe and secure environment within which pupils can take and manage risks in their learning. With the focus on encouraging children to develop the skills to solve problems, developing resilient and become reflective learners throughout the curriculum. Children will share a deeper understanding of caring for our outdoor environment and wildlife; know how they fit in The World around them and how they can be an active member of the community.

If the children are intrigued, motivated and engaged in the outdoor learning environment, this will enhance the children’s experiences, support the children to achieve their objectives and develop the knowledge and skills taught. The children should understand and apply specific vocabulary and terminology based on the subject taught and make cross curricular links to prior learning.

Parents are encouraged to engage verbally and/or in writing regarding children’s attainment and learning outcomes.

At Buckshaw is it important to us that all children and parents feel valued and an integral part our school community.

Curriculum Overview