Outdoor Learning

'Direct contact with nature has direct benefits for children’s physical, mental and emotional health.' Lester, S and Maudsley, M (2007) 

At Muswell Hill we believe that children benefit from being outdoors, whatever the weather, to get hands-on experience in the natural environment. Specific year groups have regular timetabled Outdoor Learning either half-termly, termly or on a rotational basis with other classes in the same year group. Sessions are planned to allow children the chance to learn, explore, challenge, observe, create, build, imagine and play. 

Outdoor learning is planned between the Headteacher, Outdoor Learning Instructor (one of two qualified Forest School Teachers), subject and phase leaders. It links in with many areas of the National Curriculum including: Science (e.g. studying seasonal change, mini beasts, plants, water, habitats) Geography (e.g. seasons, map work, fieldwork and weather),  Design Technology  (building, woodcraft),  Maths (e.g. measuring, estimating), Art (e.g. bark rubbings, woodland faces) and English (e.g. sessions linked to stories like Stick Man or The Billy Goats Gruff within the EYFS).

Skill development:

• Understanding the natural environment: study of flora and fauna – for example learning about a variety of mini beasts, building bug hotels or identifying trees, studying lichen or fungi.  Developing an understanding of the woodland ecosystem and importance of biodiversity for example through the study of worms and other decomposers.
• Practical skills: using tools, whittling, building shelters, lighting fires, tying knots, campfire cooking as part of pure ‘Forest School’ approaches.
• Creative development: using the natural environment to inspire and develop creative and imaginative thinking and through natural art, stories and music.
• Personal Social Health and Emotional: allowing opportunities to evaluate and take appropriate risks, challenge and conquer fears/anxieties about the natural world (e.g. dirt, spiders!) work successfully in groups, negotiate, problem solve, work independently and self-direct learning and development according to interests.
• Keeping safe: learning to identify and act appropriately in response to hazards, both natural (e.g stings, nettles) and man-made (fire, tools).

Outdoor Learning takes place in all weathers, but risk assessments are always conducted ahead of a session for example: concerns around winds, temperatures to judge how long to remain outdoors.

Children should come to sessions dressed appropriately for the weather so that they can fully enjoy their time outdoors. All children should have their own wellies/boots or a change of shoes/trainers and are encouraged to have waterproof coats and trousers.  The staff and Luke will talk to parents/carers about this ahead of any outdoor learning starting.