Outdoor learning

We feel very lucky that at Chobham all children will take part in a variety of outdoor learning lessons over the year. A member of our staff is a qualified Forest School Leader and supports us in these lessons which are held in the local area or in the Academy grounds.

What is Outdoor learning?

This is an exciting opportunity for children to have lessons in the outdoor environment linking in social skills and a variety of learning opportunities to support children’s wellbeing and their lessons.

These sessions will provide teaching and learning opportunities, which will include time and space to develop skills and positive relationships with the natural world. They encourage curiosity and increase children’s self-confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Through providing these experiences we aim to:

• Provide creative and exciting opportunities for all learners
• Enhance academic success for all our children
• Provide a language rich environment
• Develop children who are resilient when faced with new challenges
• Develop self-esteem and self-confidence via practical learning experiences
• Encourage collaboration and support through positive peer partnerships
• Develop an inquisitive and positive relationship with the natural world
• Respect each other and the world around us.

When will it take place?

Nursery and Reception take part in Nature Nurture weekly lessons throughout the school year.

When pupils move into Year 1- 6, they take part in Science in Nature days, Outdoor Classroom days and Forest School days at varying points cross the year, every year. These take place in the school day and link their learning in science and other subjects to the local environment and the world around them. Look out for your year group letter to find out when these will take place.

What does my child need to wear on these days/lessons?

They will ALWAYS need to bring into school clothes to change into:

• Long sleeved top and jumper
• Tracksuits bottoms
• Socks (above the ankle in length) – these should not be school socks in case they get wet so that children have dry socks to change into
• Old trainers or wellies that may get wet and muddy

Your child WILL get dirty, so please only send your child to school in clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy.

If it is cold/ wet, they will also need:

• Waterproof coat
• Waterproof trousers if they have them
• Wellies if they have them (Wellies are good at keeping feet dry but not very good at keeping feet warm unless you have a few pairs of socks on.)

Lots of layers are more effective than a single thicker layer in terms of protecting from the cold.)

If it is hot and sunny, they will also need:

• If it is sunny please apply sunscreen before your child comes to school
• A sun hat