Outdoor learning

At Wellington Primary School, we are committed to enhancing children’s personal and social development through outdoor learning experiences. By integrating outdoor education, we aim to boost key skills such as communication, motivation, physical development, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. This approach is particularly impactful for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially during their early years (EYFS) and transition into KS1.

Benefits of Outdoor Learning:

Personal and Social Skills: Outdoor environments encourage teamwork, collaboration, and resilience, helping children build confidence and develop important social interactions.

Communication: Engaging with peers and teachers in outdoor settings fosters better communication skills, allowing children to express themselves in new and creative ways.

Physical Skills: Outdoor learning promotes physical activity, fine motor skills, and coordination, essential for developing young learners' overall well-being.

Motivation: Natural surroundings create stimulating learning experiences that inspire curiosity and a love for learning, keeping children engaged and motivated.

Knowledge and Understanding: The outdoor world provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, aligning with the National Curriculum (NC)objectives to support early years learning in subjects like science, geography, and physical education.

Coverage of National Curriculum Objectives:

Our outdoor learning practices align with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and Key Stage 1 National Curriculum objectives. This ensures that children benefit from a high-quality, inclusive education that is tailored to their needs:

EYFS Areas of Learning: Outdoor activities address core areas such as Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED), Physical Development, and Understanding the World.

KS1 National Curriculum Coverage: Through outdoor education, we incorporate objectives from various subjects, such as:

Science: Understanding plants, seasons, and natural habitats.

Geography: Developing map-reading skills and exploring the local environment.

Physical Education: Enhancing balance, coordination, and movement through physical outdoor activities.

Targeting Disadvantaged Children

For children from disadvantaged backgrounds, these experiences are especially crucial in bridging learning gaps and providing enriched opportunities that may not be as accessible otherwise. Our outdoor learning initiatives are designed to provide these children with equal opportunities to develop their skills, ensuring that every child reaches their full potential.

This practice reflects our broader mission to deliver inclusive, high-quality education for all, laying a solid foundation in the early years and extending it into KS1 and beyond.