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    • Learning Outside the Classroom

    Why we value learning outside the classroom 

    The opportunity to develop our learning beyond the classroom walls is integral to our Barnham School values: 'Inspire, Cherish, Believe' and is of key importance to our aim of making learning irresistible at Barnham. 

    Academic research

    Academic research has shown that learning outside the classroom can significantly enhance learning and achievement.  There is strong evidence that  learning outside the classroom adds much value to classroom learning. by enriching and deepening understanding through experience. 

    Benefits of learning outside the classroom

    Evidence shows that learning outside the classroom has the power to:

    • Inspire creativity.
    • Inspire curiosity.
    • Increase motivation
    • Develop Independence in a widening range of environments.
    • Make learning more engaging and relevant..
    • Develop active citizens.
    • Increase interest and awareness of the environment.
    • Develop the ability to deal with uncertainty.
    • Provide challenge and the opportunity to take acceptable levels of risk.
    • Create memorable experiences and memories for children to cherish.

    How, where and when do we encourage learning outside the classroom at Barnham?

    Thanks to our close ties with the Euston Estate we are incredibly fortunate to be able to enhance our learning through enrichment visits from reception to Year 6.  For example, we have studied the features of our local river, planted trees, learned about habitats, discovered how and why carrots can be grown under polythene and have used our maths skills to calculate how much sugar beet can be harvested.  We have been given a tour of a site of huge importance to archaeologists by experts from the British Museum.  We have enjoyed countless Forest School adventures and enjoyed amazing whole school 'Countryside Weeks.'  We have also strengthen our beliefs - and improved our understanding of the beliefs of others - through regular visits to our local church and to visits to the mosque in Cambridge and synagogue in Norwich.  Furthermore, we make regular use of opportunities to learn outside by making use of our school fields, outdoor classroom and cabin.

    School Development Plan 2023-24 (references to LOtC highlighted yellow)
    Presentation to staff, governors and other stakeholders
    Presentation to School Leaders (Vision, Values and LOtC at Barnham CEVC Primary)
    Policies to support and facilitate LOtC
    Curriculum Overviews
    Pupil Voice: Family Collective Worship (Circle Time) Template
    Examples of policies and risk assessments to facilitate LOtC
    CPD including EVOLVE Visit Coorinator Training
    History Timeline Project
    LOtC: Using the School Grounds
    Local Visits and Visitors to School
    History:

    Timeline Project with professional artist Nicola Marray-Woods

    Change Agents

    'Change Agent Emily'

    Litter picking over the weekend at Barnham Cross Common.

    Lifting Limits Project

    Learning Outdoors Request Form (for example, on the Euston Estate) including links to curriculum

    Lesson planning:

    Examples of lesson planning for learning activities beyond the classroom

    Countryside Week 2024:

    Timetable of learning experiences led by expert visitors with all classes throughout the school

    A plane on the school field!

    Lots of exciting outdoor learning to discover how MAF help communities in isolated areas around the world.

    New door!

    We added this last year to allow better access to outdoor learning for Mole Class (Year 1 and 2]

    Using sticks to map map the coastline of the D-Day landings

    Year 3 and 4 ‘Bee Musical’
     

    Maths Outdoors:

    identifying Angles and Learning about Triangles

    Forest School Adventures Summer 2024
     

    Whole school pancake race
     

    D-Day Event:

    Community event to commemorate D-Day - fish and chips and a chance to see an exhibition of children’s-work.

    Countryside Week 2024:

    Learning about farm machinery including tractors, ploughs and drills and how they are used to plant and harvest crops.

    Countryside Week 2024:

    Tree identification in the school grounds.

    Countryside Week 2024: Treasure Trail

    Countryside Week 2024:

    Years 4,5 and 6 air-rifle shooting on tyhe school grounds with BASC

    Woodland Adventure

    Hedgehogs enjoyed their first trip into Euston woodland where they had the opportunity to explore their surroundings.  The children looked at natural habitats, studied trees in the environment and had the chance to build their own dens.  So much learning took place and it was wonderful to see each child's confidence flourish.

    Take a look at our Woodland Adventure video here.

    The Garlic Theatre Company performing ‘Oldilocks’
     

    Science outside the classroom:

    Foxes making electrical circuits with lightbulbs and fans.

    Squirrel Class Geography:

    Making the most of the sunshine to test sundials.

    Eco Council:

    Clearing grass to create a bed for wildflower seeds to be sown (Eco Council and lunchtime volunteers from across the school)

    Otter Class:

    Sowing wildflower seeds on the cabin field.

    Fox Class:

    Enjoying the ‘Go Explore’ team-building challenges.

    Fox Class Science Week Project:

    Can we protect an egg from cracking when it is dropped from increasing heights?

    DT outside the classroom: 

    Making geodesic structures.

    Badgers making building bridges as part of their DT work on structures.
     

    LOtC Tracker

     

     

     

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