Outdoor Learning

Our Vine Vision weaves through outdoor learning. We believe that a love of one another can be achieved by pupils having opportunities to develop team spirit, leadership skills and ability to support one another. A love of mankind can be achieved through the understanding of the importance of caring about the environment locally, nationally and globally. A love of life itself can be seen through a love of the outdoors and the ability to reflect on our own environment. The love of God helps us to develop a sense of awe and wonder of the world around us. Outdoor learning can help build a social, cultural and nature connection.

It is important that primary school children receive regular opportunities to carry out their learning in the outdoor area. It is essential for children to experience the outdoors as the physical activity can positively have an impact on their fine and gross motor development as well as encouraging them to be active and healthy. Spending time outside can also promote a sense of well-being and freedom. Learning outside the classroom allows children to interact with the natural world and offers them real life experiences such as the changing seasons and the changes in weather. Children learn to respect nature and can begin to understand the role humans play on the earth. It can encourage children to take risks and help with independent problem-solving. It enables children to be imaginative and supports children with being independent.

The outdoor area offers opportunities for children to explore space and help with those children who learn best through being active.

Intention

Outdoor learning encourages children to make cross curricular links throughout the curriculum. It allows children to explore their environment and notice changes around them. It encourages children to develop their life skills, takes risks and adapt their behaviour to new settings. 

Implementation

The curriculum enables children to explore the outdoor environment wherever possible. The children are provided with a wide range of skills to use in the outdoors. Learning outside engages children in a manner that is not possible in the classroom. This creates new opportunities and passion for learning within the children. They are able to excel in areas of the curriculum in new ways. 

How does Outdoor Learning link to our School Vision?

Love of one another – pupils have opportunities to develop team spirit, leadership, supporting each other.

love of mankind – understanding of the importance for caring about the environment and the world- locally, nationally and globally.

love of life itself – a love of the outdoors and ability to reflect on their environment.

and love of God – to develop a sense of awe and wonder of the world around them.

Let us remember that as many hands build a house, so many hearts make a school – outdoor learning can help build social, cultural and natural connections.

Links to Christian and British Values

The British values and the Spiritual, Moral and Social and Cultural Development (SMSC) form an integral part of the Outdoor Learning Curriculum. It allows children to develop respect and tolerance towards each other and to learn to take risks.