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Whitstable Junior School

Learning today for life tomorrow

Outdoor Learning

Our aim is to develop independence, resilience and curiosity through learning from the great outdoors. All of our children have access to this through both timetabled ‘Outdoor Learning’ lessons and links with other curriculum subjects. Interacting with the natural environment builds resilient learners who can overcome challenges and take risks that are uniquely provided by being immersed in nature.

The teamwork involved in learning outdoors as well as some of the bushcraft skills encourages communication, problem-solving and critical thinking. We find this fosters a real sense of community amongst the children.

Exploring and discovering the natural world has undeniable benefits for children’s physical and mental health, and we passionately believe that promoting a love of being outside, with nature, and developing their ability to take risks, problem solve and work together will help our children become better life-long learners and members of the community.

Our Outdoor Learning lessons are hands-on, creative and fun, enabling responsible learners who care about and respect their local and global environment. Where possible, we have also made links with the Geography, History and Science Curriculum to help reinforce and embed learning.  

a child and Mrs Grier toasting marshmallows over a fire  boys building a go-kart in the timber trail

an example of children's leaf-artchildren learning to light a firea child showing off his square lashing

children building habitats for mythical creatureschildren creating a structure with leaves

children doing experiments on pollutionchildren at a countryside classroom day at Otterdena child creating a mini kingdom

children building dens at a countryside classroom day and children pond dipping

 an example of animal poo made by children