Intention
We believe in the benefits of outdoor play. Outdoor learning is applied in a holistic way throughout the whole school, integrated into all curriculum areas – not only to develop subject knowledge – but also to develop an appreciation of other people, the natural world, and themselves. We believe that learning through the outdoors should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all children and we believe in the benefits of outdoor play. At Hungerford Primary Academy we want our children to benefit from the fantastic facilities that the natural world has on offer to enrich learning. All activities promote unity, affinity with the outdoors, allowing the children to benefit from physical activity promoting healthy living and will develop an awareness of the natural environment to allow them to enjoy the great outdoors, whilst being encouraged to assess and accept risk appropriately. Our aim is for the children to learn something about themselves and others, develop a sense of pride and ownership of the environment and learn how living things are linked so as to promote a sensitive, informed, sustainable use of the countryside.
Implementation
Every child from Preschool to Year 6 takes part in outdoor learning for a full day once a half term to develop knowledge and skills. All of our sessions are planned and delivered to help develop skills, knowledge and the needs of the National Curriculum.
We deliver a range of bespoke activities designed to enrich classroom topics and some from the list below!
- Den Building
- Bug hunting
- Birdwatching
- Natural Art
- Plant and Tree ID
- Gardening
- Team building & Problem solving
- Orienteering
Outdoor Education will be delivered by Mrs Ellam and supported by your child’s class teacher and any teaching assistants from their class. Sessions have been planned to provide children with skills and knowledge of the outdoors whilst linking this to their current topic that term. Parents will be reminded when it is their child’s Outdoor Education session.
WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING FOR
Outdoor Education?
Just wellies and warm clothes as we have waterproofs! Wear a warm hat and gloves in the winter time. Sun hat and lotion in the warmer months will be needed.
We really appreciate those parents who are able to provide their children with wellies for outdoor sessions, but we understand how expensive this can be and there are a variety of sizes that are available in the Outdoor Education Classroom for children to borrow. if you have any donations of old wellies, they are greatly appreciated and please pass them to Mrs Ellam.
