Outdoor Learning

Here at Moira Primary School we love to teach our lessons outside. We know that learning outside the classroom has many benefits for children and that 'the outdoors provides young children with one of the best possible learning environments in which to learn'.  

Some of the benefits of learning outdoors are…

• it brings the curriculum alive;

• it helps children understand the environment and sustainable development;

• it encourages physical activity;

• it promotes pupil curiosity;

• it increases pupils’ motivation to learn;

• it allows and encourages children to relive their experiences through their most natural channel – movement;

• it provides access to space to nurture mind, body and growth;

• it enhances the development of motor skills (gross and fine);

• it develops co-ordination, balance and body awareness;

• it provides the opportunity for assessed risky freedom, where children can play and socialise freely and use their own imagination and initiative.
   

All the areas of learning can be achieved outside while the children’s long-term social, emotional and mental health are being enhanced. This is why here at Moira Primary School we are passionate about providing our pupils with high quality outdoor learning experiences.

Below is a snapshot of how we teach the curriculum through outdoor experiences.

In Nursery, outdoor learning is a very important part of our daily routine. All areas of the preschool curriculum are covered through outdoor play.  The emphasis is very much on the children engaging in the natural environment and creating opportunities for creativity.

Some examples of our outdoor learning and how they benefit the preschool curiculum are:   

• Making pictures from natural materials such a pine cones/acorns/sticks (The Arts)
• Finding shapes in the environment and problem solving (Early Maths) 
• Talking about changes in the seasons/weather (World Around Us)
• Telling stories/reading books outdoors or listening to sounds in the environment (Language) 
•  Developing gross motor skills through climbing equipment/pedalling bikes (Physical Development)
• Making friends, sharing and supporting our wellbeing (Personal, Social and Emotional Skills)

In the Foundation stage there are 2 areas specifically used by P1 & P2 for play-based learning. 

The area outside our classrooms is covered and used daily.  We use a lot of natural materials as well as a house for role-play and other equipment such as scooters/trikes to develop physical skills.

We also use the trim trail/outdoor area to develop children's skills, as well as promote their love of learning and the environment around them.  

In KS1, the P3 and P4 classes use our outdoor space and Moira Demesne as an outdoor classroom and regularly take our lessons outdoors as we know that "the best kept classroom and the richest cupboards are roofed only by the sky!"  We teach structured lessons outdoors in relation to all areas of the curriculum.  Here are just a selection of photos from our outdoor Numeracy, World Around Us, Literacy and PDMU lessons. 

Similar to KS1, in KS2 the classes also use our outdoor space and Moira Demesne as an outdoor classroom.  The children use the natural resources found in the environment around them as equipment for their lessons e.g. P5 use leaves and branches to create an analogue clock to show time.  Similarly, P6 use natural materials found in Moira Demesne to build landmarks from across Europe.