Outdoor Learning

At Queensgate Primary School, we believe it is essential for children to have outdoor learning opportunities, making the most of the wonderful resources we have onsite, including our sensory garden and Forest Schools area, giving children daily chances to learn, play, and explore in nature. From gardens and open play spaces to forested areas, our environment provides rich, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and creativity. We focus not only on developing practical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience but also on fostering a deep respect for the natural world. With access to a wide range of outdoor resources and carefully planned activities, pupils gain confidence to investigate, imagine, and collaborate—skills that are essential for their future learning and everyday life.

Within our Queensgate School site we have a variety of different outdoor learning areas which have a range of different habitats for the children to explore.  

In our sensory area, created by past pupils,  children are provided with a range of different sensory experiences. There is both a planted seating area and a more natural log seating area.  Children are able to experience different types of plants and investigate the insects which have chosen to live in the habitats here.  

Across our school field (which is used during breaks and lunchtime and for PE lessons) we have our “Patch”. This wooded area has been designed for our Forest School activities and has a range of different rope challenges, a treehouse, a pond and a mud kitchen for the children to enjoy.

At the front of our school is “Benji’s area” named after the school dog. This area is being developed, by the children, as a small orchard so that children can be involved in growing a range of fruits which can then be used in our cookery lessons. This area can also be used for investigating minibeasts.

All our outdoor areas are designed to encourage the children to appreciate our outdoor environment and to gain all the benefits being outdoors offers.

Intent

At our primary school, we aim to cultivate a holistic learning environment that use the great outdoors to enrich the educational experience of our pupils. We have fantastic outdoor areas which we continue to develop. Our intent for outdoor learning is to:

• Enhance Engagement: Promote active and participatory learning that captures pupils’ interest and stimulates their curiosity.
• Foster Critical Skills: Develop key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience through hands-on, experiential activities in natural settings.
• Support Wellbeing: Encourage physical and mental well-being by providing opportunities for fresh air, physical activity, and connections with nature, which contribute to reducing stress and anxiety among pupils.
• Broaden Curriculum Contexts: Extend the curriculum beyond the classroom to include environmental studies, science, geography, and creative arts, making learning more relevant and impactful.
• Nurture Environmental Awareness: Instill a sense of responsibility and care for the environment, helping pupils to understand their place within the ecosystem and the importance of sustainability for future generations.

Implementation

To effectively implement our outdoor learning programme, we have established a structured approach that ensures all pupils benefit from a range of outdoor experiences:

Curriculum Integration:

• When appropriate, all subjects are infused with outdoor learning opportunities, with specific planning to connect classroom topics with outdoor explorations.
• Themed outdoor days and projects are organised, where pupils can explore subjects like biology, geography, and art within a natural context.

Skilled Staff Training:

• Teachers and support staff receive ongoing professional development in outdoor learning methodologies, ensuring they are confident in facilitating outdoor lessons.
• Collaboration with outdoor education specialists to co-deliver sessions, enriching the teaching experience with expert knowledge.

Impact

The impact of our outdoor learning programme is evaluated consistently to ensure it meets the needs and aspirations of our pupils:

Pupil Engagement and Attainment:

• Increased attendance and participation rates are observed during outdoor sessions, with pupils demonstrating heightened enthusiasm for learning.
• Enhanced academic performance in subjects that have a direct outdoor learning component, evidenced through assessments and teacher observations.

Social and Emotional Development:

• Improved social skills and relationships among peers, with noticeable increases in cooperation and communication; this is further supported by pupil feedback indicating a stronger sense of belonging.
• Reduction in behavioural issues and an increase in resilience and confidence among pupils who partake in risk-managed, adventurous activities.

Health and Wellbeing:

• Regular outdoor activities contribute to growing levels of physical fitness and an appreciation for healthy lifestyles, with pupils reporting higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress.
• Positive feedback from families regarding changes in children's attitudes towards nature and outdoor play, highlighting a lasting interest in environmental stewardship.

Through our commitment to excellence in outdoor learning, we ensure that all pupils not only thrive academically but also develop into responsible, resilient, and engaged citizens, truly embodying the spirit of our school's educational vision.