Outdoor Learning

Welcome to our dedicated page for Outdoor learning and Forest School

Outdoor Learning Leads: Miss A Mayhew and Mr R Spann

Updates regarding outdoor learning, forest schools and outdoor projects can be found in this page.

 

Here at Whitby Heath we are aiming to develop our curriculum by using places other than the classroom for teaching and learning. Learning in the outside environment enhances a child’s learning experience and has been proven to raise attainment, achievement, engagement and behaviour. 

 

Vision

Our vision is to ensure all pupils are given the opportunity to explore their outdoor environment within our curriculum. Learning outdoors aims to develop their skills across a range of subjects and pupils will be encouraged to develop skills that normally underdeveloped in the classroom such a teamwork and independence. We also aim to endorse a love for nature and promote a sense of awareness for our natural world. We aim to develop Whitby Heath into an eco-friendly school with projects aimed to encourage pupils to care for our outdoor environment.

 

Intent

· To broaden the range of outdoor learning opportunities within planning and across a wider range of subjects.

· To promote the use of vocabulary linked to the outdoor environment within and around our school grounds.

· To ensure outdoor learning is clearly evidenced in Big Books and displays through follow on tasks to assess the impact on progression and achievement.

· To ensure pupils are actively involved in developing the outdoor environment.

· To develop the role of ECO Ambassadors and work towards ECO School’s Green Flag Award.

· To work with local community partners to develop provision for our outdoor environment within the allocated budget.

· To create and maintain an outdoor learning area, including a school growing area linked to Design and Technology, with active pupil involvement.

· To use the outdoor environment and work with Emotional Health and Wellbeing Lead to promote mental and physical wellbeing.

 

Want to get out into nature beyond the school gates?

Here are some great links to give you some ideas!

Outdoor Learning Activities You Can Do at Home | Wildchild Adventure

Home Learning: Fun Outdoors Activities - Twinkl

50 Fun things to do outside at home - The Ladybirds' Adventures (theladybirdsadventures.co.uk)

 

Blossom Class

Our current outdoor classroom, Blossom Class, sits within our school grounds surrounded by impressive Willow fencing. During outdoor lessons, children are able to use the school grounds. We also have a dedicated woodland area, which is currently being developed.

 

 

Whitby Heath Eco Ambassadors for 2022/23

This year our Ambassadors have been very busy. They are currently working extremely hard to earn Whitby Heath the Green Flag Eco School Award,. The Ambassadors have also ran a competition for Recycling Week - we were amazed at the creativity! Well done to all the winners! They ran a fundraiser to raise funds for a wild flower garden, so far we have planted some bulbs and are waiting till late Spring to plant the seeds! They also planted some trees gifted to us, for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, in our outdoor area and on the large field. 

 

Our Eco Code:

Outdoor learning linked to the Forest School Principles

This year each class will have an outdoor learning half-day session, linked to their curriculum History/Geography topic which is based on the Forest School principles.

We aim to promote the holistic development of all involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners. It will offer learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.

 

Previous school project - The Lost Words of Whitby Heath

Over the course of our Summer term, children at Whitby Heath partook in a project centred around the book 'The Lost Words' by Robert Macfarlane. Our aim was to create a trail of work in our playground and outdoor learning area showcasing the 'The Lost Words of Whitby Heath.