Outdoor Learning Sessions

INTENT

Outdoor learning is a child-centred learning process, providing learner inspired, hands-on experiences in the natural environment. At Leesland, our provision aims to encourage and inspire children through positive outdoor experiences. Children will have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others. The children are shown tool use, play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, establish and grow in confidence, self-esteem and become self-motivated.

IMPLEMENTATION

Leesland outdoor learning is delivered during PPA days with every child having the opportunity to access across a school term. Sessions are 90 minutes with a range of nature- based activities and experiences available to promote child led learning, problem solving, risk taking and play.   

Leesland outdoor learning promotes child-initiated learning to drive pupil’s own learning and development at a pace which is appropriate and meaningful to them. They are freely able to explore and discover whilst learning how to manage appropriate risk and challenge. The adults are there to lead specific activities, support the children, guide if asked, and most importantly celebrate the learning taking place. It creates a positive atmosphere of support where the children learn to become independent in their physical skills and thought processes.

Outdoor learning builds on a child’s innate motivation and positive attitude to learning, offering them the opportunities to take risks, make choices and initiate learning for themselves.

The outdoor learning environment provides opportunities for children to develop self-esteem, self-confidence, to form positive relationships with others, to develop a growing awareness of their emotional needs and the needs of others, to learn to cooperate and work with their peers and adults and to develop strategies in order to take risks within the boundaries of safety.

Outdoor learning is about exploring and experiencing the natural world through practical activities. The children go out in all weathers, all year round, exploring and learning from the seasons and environment changes. Appropriate clothing will be worn and during high winds it will be considered unsafe to go into the woods.

One of the principles of Leesland outdoor learning is to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainability. The children are taught about respect and responsibility for the world around them. Both the children and adults are encouraged to respect their environment and to be aware of conservation issues of the wild area around them.

IMPACT

Outdoor learning sessions allow the children to:

• Grow in confidence through developing independence.
• Learn through play
• Take calculated risks.
• Learn practical skills
• Build communication skills
• Promote teamwork and collaboration
• Problem solve and think critically
• Outdoor experiences
• Learning about the natural environment and environmental issues.

Outdoor learning can increase a child's confidence and self-esteem through exploration, problem solving, and being encouraged to learn how to assess and take appropriate risks depending on their environment. This unique and inspiring approach to outdoor learning is a part of the school’s wider vision to bring a broad and rich curriculum to its learners.

What children are saying about Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning helps me a lot. It calms me and I get a break from ‘sitting down’ learning. I try new things.

I enjoy outdoor learning because I learn new things - outdoor things.

I like outdoor learning because it’s based around nature.

It’s relaxing. Fresh air. I get a nice feeling.