Outdoor Learning

Outdoor learning is a high priority for us at Burstow and opportunities to learn outside are always at the forefront of our minds when planning learning experiences for our children. We go outside in all weathers - there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

Children need to wear appropriate clothing to their forest area sessions. They will need sturdy boots or wellingtons and long trousers. If the weather is wet, they will need to wear a waterproof coat and trousers. If children do not have appropriate outdoor clothing, the school does have a supply of wellingtons and waterproof trousers.

We have a wonderful outdoor space that provides numerous opportunities for our children to learn and explore outside the classroom environment. Our forest area is an inspirational process that offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop their confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. It aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners Our aim is to provide an opportunity for each class to visit the forest area on regularly during the year.

Lessons in our forest area happens weekly throughout the year. There are many bespoke opportunities for children in all year groups to attend and progress their skills and experiences. This area is used to motivate and inspire children’s learning and creates a space for experiences that can’t take place in the classroom. It develops communication and social skills. It develops knowledge, skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences.

All sessions at forest area are planned around the needs of the group. Wherever possible, links will be made to learning within the curriculum, giving pupils experiential learning and allowing them to contextualise concepts. Some of the activities that the children may experience include science experiments, environmental art, making 2-D and 3-D shapes, cooking over a small campfire, den building, creating and following blind trails, story-telling and using a range of tools… the list is endless!