Outdoor Learning – We love to learn outdoors! 

At Townlands Primary Academy we recognise the valuable role that learning outdoors has in supporting the delivery of our wider curriculum, learning about the environment and also in developing happy and healthy children.  

All children have regular access to learning outside the classroom either within school or whilst on a school trip. Progressive outdoor learning experiences are delivered through a variety of school-based activities linked to different subject areas, e.g. creative writing, art, science.  

We believe that every child in school has an entitlement to high quality outdoor learning throughout the whole year. Our pond area/minibeast area, wooded area, growing planters, extensive grounds and playing fields are used in all seasons so that children develop a deep appreciation for the natural world.  

Intent 

At Townlands we teach outdoor learning for the following reasons: 

• To give children the opportunity to be able to explore and learn outside throughout the year, experiencing the different seasons and changing nature around them. 

• To provide opportunities for wider curriculum enrichment through hands-on learning. 

• To provide children with opportunities to learn beyond the school grounds.

• To support creativity and problem solving.

• To encourage collaboration and team building.

• To develop children's personal, social and emotional development.

• To improve children's life skills and experiences.

• To enable children to appreciate the natural environment and wildlife.

Implementation

We achieve this in the following ways:

• Outdoor learning is planned to enrich and enhance the children's experience of the curriculum, with all class teachers taking learning outside as appropriate.
• All year groups have the opportunity to go on an organised school trip which supports the wider curriculum. 

• A residential trip takes place for Year 6, this trip enables children to experience a wide range of outdoor learning opportunities and prepare for transition to High School. 

• The children have been involved with redesigning and structuring the school garden.  Their determination and effort was rewarded by the Earl Shilton in Bloom judges who made a special visit to look at the garden and the school grounds.  A special recognition certificate was awarded. 

• We are now working towards becoming a Forest School. 

Impact 

During their time at Townlands children will: 

• Have enjoyed hands-on outdoor learning experiences which will have supported a wide variety of curriculum areas. 

• Have developed their imagination and creativity through exploration of the outdoors. 

• Have experienced the benefits of a residential trip through developing independence, self-confidence, personal and social development. 

• Have developed resilience through challenging activities and working in all weathers and also development of co-operation and teamwork skills. 

• Have more knowledge and enthusiasm about nature and the environment having had the opportunity to grow plants and vegetables.