Woodland Time and Outdoor Learning
“We Learn Everywhere”
At Trafalgar one of our core values is that “we learn everywhere” be this in the classroom, our woodland area, the local park or further afield. We are proud of our large, peaceful and sheltered school grounds, despite our central town location, and make the most of the opportunities they provide.
All classes have access to dedicated year group outside learning areas that are used regularly by all children to take their curriculum outside. In addition, the school’s grounds are used for a variety of outdoor learning throughout the year, including P.E activities, scientific investigations such as pond dipping and geography fieldwork.
Woodland Time
As part of our commitment to learning outside the classroom, all children participate in “Woodland Time” sessions. These are held on site, in a wilder part of our school grounds. Every child will attend Woodland Time sessions each year, experiencing nature across the seasons. Children are encouraged to explore and follow their interests in these sessions but also learn about our environment and develop some key outdoor skills. Examples of activities include: making charcoal paint from burnt wood; creating transient art from leaves and sticks; using a fire steel; and team den-building.
Woodland Time sessions:
- support children’s well-being and togetherness;
- develop outdoor skills and tool use;
- support children to manage risk and build resilience
- strengthen children’s relationship with their natural environment;
- are linked to areas of the national curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage, specific to each year group.
Woodland Time sessions are led by a qualified Forest School Leader and supported by a class teachers. Risk-Benefit Assessments are in place for all activities and these are in line with the school’s policies, procedures and insurance.