Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning at The Horsell Village School
Learning at The Horsell Village School doesn’t just take place within the school building. Each day, every child from Reception to Year 2 spends time outdoors. We have found that outdoor time often provides the most memorable learning experiences and helps children to make sense of the world around them by putting their learning into a meaningful context. The Horsell Village School Curriculum is designed to offer all children, in addition to their play and lunch break times, time outside to support all curriculum areas.
Learning outside the classroom has many benefits including:
- Improved communication skills
- greater independence
- improved health and sleep
- greater physical competence and agility
- improved focus and concentration
- a greater understanding of nature and the environment
- improved social skills
The government support schools and actively encourages them to increase opportunities for children to get active. Being physical supports their emotional, physical, social and mental wellbeing and at the same time can support their academic achievements.
We believe that every child should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development and that is why we have made this one of our main aims at The Horsell Village School. Our outdoor environment has massive potential for providing a variety of learning opportunities. We strive to make the most of our space outside and no part or our site is unused. With this in mind we are constantly evaluating and improving our outdoor spaces. Alongside our outdoor areas, we are fortunate to have amazing outdoor spaces on our doorstep including the local woodland garden and Horsell Common. We aim to make full use of the local area as part of our outdoor learning provision.
The outdoor environment at The Horsell Village School offers motivating, exciting, and easily accessible activities from Early Years through to Year 2. Our outdoor learning experiences are delivered through a combination of school-based outdoor learning, visits out and local walks.
Learning outdoors is enjoyable, creative, challenging and adventurous and helps children learn by experience and grow as confident and responsible citizens who value and appreciate the natural environment.