Not all classrooms have four walls!

INTENT

At Barnburgh Primary Academy, we believe that outdoor learning plays a vital role in providing a holistic and enriching education for our children. Our intent is to offer a curriculum and learning environment that actively incorporates outdoor learning experiences, fostering a deep connection with nature, promoting physical and mental well-being, and enhancing academic achievement. We aim to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder in our children, while also developing their resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through hands-on, experiential learning in the natural world.

IMPLEMENTATION

Curriculum Integration: We will integrate outdoor learning opportunities across various subjects, aligning them with the national curriculum. Teachers will plan and deliver lessons that utilise the outdoor environment to enhance learning outcomes and engage children in practical, real-world experiences.

Outdoor Learning Spaces: We will develop our dedicated outdoor learning space, Walt’s Wood, for children to engage in structured lessons and activities. This space will facilitate hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery.

Specialist Outdoor Teachers: We will employ and/or train specialist outdoor teachers who will plan and deliver outdoor learning experiences. These teachers will provide expertise in environmental education, outdoor skills, and risk management, ensuring safe and meaningful outdoor experiences for our children.

Professional Development: We will provide ongoing professional development opportunities for our teachers to enhance their knowledge and skills in outdoor learning pedagogy. This will include training on risk assessment, outdoor safety, and effective teaching strategies for outdoor environments.

Partnerships and Resources: We will establish partnerships with local organisations, to access additional resources, expertise, and opportunities for our children. We will also invest in appropriate outdoor learning resources, equipment, and materials to support our curriculum.

IMPACT

Through our outdoor learning initiative, we aim to achieve the following impact:

Improved Academic Achievement: By integrating outdoor learning experiences into our curriculum, we expect to see improved academic achievement across various subjects. Outdoor learning has been shown to enhance children’s engagement, motivation, and retention of knowledge, leading to improved academic outcomes.

Enhanced Well-being and Resilience: Regular exposure to nature and outdoor activities has been linked to improved mental health, well-being, and resilience in children. We anticipate that our outdoor learning offer will contribute to the overall well-being of our children, fostering a sense of connection with the natural world and promoting physical activity.

Increased Environmental Awareness: By immersing our children in outdoor learning experiences, we aim to develop their understanding and appreciation of the environment. We hope to instill a sense of responsibility for the natural world, empowering our children to become environmentally conscious and active citizens.

Development of Essential Skills: Outdoor learning provides opportunities for children to develop essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. We expect our children to become more confident, independent, and adaptable learners through their engagement in outdoor activities.

Long-lasting Love for Learning: By creating memorable and meaningful learning experiences in the outdoors, we aim to foster a lifelong love for learning in our children. We hope that our outdoor learning offer will inspire curiosity, creativity, and a sense of wonder, motivating our children to continue exploring and discovering throughout their lives.

Overall, our intent is to create a transformative outdoor learning program that enriches the educational experience of our children, nurtures their well-being, and prepares them to be active and responsible global citizens. 

Outdoor Learning progression document coming soon