Forest School and Outdoor Learning
At Albrighton Primary School and Nursery, we recognise the impact that outdoor learning opportunities have on embedding knowledge and skills, while engaging children with their environment and local community and developing curiosity. While it is not a subject in its own right, through outdoor learning, children develop their understanding of Science, Mathematics, Geography and Physical education as well as gaining confidence and self-esteem. Outdoor learning can be used to support the learning of knowledge in any subject as well supporting children to learn and apply vital social skills. High quality outdoor education can provide a real life context for Writing and History and provide opportunities for children to develop field skills and an understanding of how we fit into the world and the impact humans have, both negative and positive, on the environment. Children will be encouraged to understand how their actions can affect the world around them and explore the outdoor world.
High-quality outdoor learning experiences are proven to:
- develop reflective and inquisitive thinking along with problem-solving approaches in ‘real’ situations
- encourage holistic development of children
- develop resilience and adaptability in occasionally adverse circumstances
- allow children to become more able to identify hazards and risks
- develop a love, appreciation and respect for nature and all that is living
- develop an understanding of how we can look after our environment
- develop self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem
- develop collaborative-working and communication skills
- provide positive health benefits – both physically and mentally – and assist gross and fine-motor development
- develop a lifelong love of the outdoors
- adds a sensory approach to learning which supports memory
