At Montalbo, we believe outdoor learning provides many benefits to children’s wellbeing and learning. Research (such as here) proves that children are often more motivated and happier as a result of being outdoors. As well as creating opportunities for taking subjects of the national curriculum outdoors, we have a weekly timetabled session for Years 1 to 6 which follows a different theme each half term. Children in Early Years access an indoor/outdoor provision each day.
Intent
- To provide children with a breadth of opportunity to learn new knowledge and skills that are purposeful
- To connect with and appreciate the natural world
- To increase the amount of time children are spending outdoors
- Develop meaningful contexts with the real world outside the classroom
- To provide outdoor environments and surroundings to act as a rich stimulus for creative thinking and learning.
- To provide multi-sensory experience outdoors
- To improve mental health and wellbeing
- To develop social skills such as teamwork, turn taking, communication and risk taking
Implementation
- All classes will have timetabled outdoor learning slots (Y1-6) or be part of every practice (EYFS)
- The subject leader will plan a sequential and progressive curriculum around a half termly theme
- At the start of each lesson, children will revisit prior learning
- Teaching staff will be suitably trained and understand the knowledge and skills
- The subject leader will monitor the effectiveness of outdoor learning
- Children will contribute to the effective design of the outdoor learning curriculum
Impact
- Children develop knowledge and skills which are useful in everyday life
- Children gain awareness of how being outdoors improves mental health and wellbeing
- Children make connections with the natural world
- Children develop social and practical skills
- Children gain a breadth of different experiences
- Children develop a love for being outdoors
