Outdoor Learning

At Larkholme

OAL (Outdoor Adventurous Learning) is a method of Outdoor Education that allows children to develop confidence, independence, self-esteem, respect, responsibility, resilience, awareness and knowledge of the natural environment.

This fully supports our School Ethos: “To ensure that children become confident, life-long learners with high aspirations and a determination to succeed in all they do. In addition, we want to support children to develop as responsible citizens who are keen to make a positive contribution to their wider community.”

Enhancement of Children’s Learning

Outdoor learning should be intertwined with the classroom delivery of the curriculum. Our OAL curriculum will enhance children’s learning within the National Curriculum as well as develop skills outside of the main curriculum, including: Respect, Responsibility and Resilience.

Why Outdoors?

Evidence shows that giving children the opportunity to discover, learn about and experience the natural world is hugely important. It can impact on:

•Engagement in learning and academic achievement

•Better motor skills and increased levels of physical activity

•Improved mental health and wellbeing

•Improvement in behaviour and attendance rates

•Fostering pride, belonging and involvement in the community

The Curriculum in Action

We look to make natural links between the National Curriculum and outdoor learning to promote opportunities for pre learning and stick knowledge. As well as teaching our pupils skills they will be able to use throughout their lives. Through our outdoor curriculum we are raising aspirations for our pupils.

OAL-Curriculum-Document

OAL-Progression-Overview-1

We have been working hard to develop our outdoor area including making a garden and allotment area. We have been sharing our progress with the RHS and have been awarded our Level 5 School Garden Award.