Outdoor Education
Outdoor Learning at John Clifford
"The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky."
‒ Margaret McMillan
Everyday is an Outdoor Learning Day!

Why do we teach Outdoor Learning/OAA?
Outdoor Learning is highly valued at John Clifford School, with an important role to play in many aspects of a pupil’s life at school.
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How do we teach Outdoor Learning/OAA?
A full-time member of staff, with Forest School Level 3 Qualification and many years of outdoor education experience, is employed to ensure that all children access Outdoor Learning during their time at John Clifford. All necessary warm and waterproof clothing and equipment is supplied by school, ensuring that all can participate.
In Early Years, children spend half a day each week in the Outdoor Learning area. These sessions comprise a mixture of adult-led (knowledge and skills) activities and child-led exploration, giving the children the opportunity to self-direct and follow their own interests within the structure of the session. Staff are able to respond to each child’s needs and interests through close observations and interactions.
In KS1 and 2, OL leader and class teachers discuss how they can bring the curriculum outside to practise, consolidate, embed learning indoors, as well as look for opportunities to introduce new concepts, vocabulary and knowledge in OL sessions. This covers many aspects of the curriculum – commonly Science, Geography and History.
All classes in Key Stage 1 and 2 also access a series of OAA sessions ( Outdoor Adventurous Activities ) which makes up part of the PE provision and includes orienteering, mapping, team challenges and planning skills.
Outdoor Learning strives to be accessible and inclusive of all learners. With an emphasis on personal development and process over product, staff prioritise getting to know each child and identifying individual needs and interests. |
What are the outcomes for our children?
Due to the commitment and passion of our Head and SLT, Outdoor Learning is now embedded at John Clifford. The outdoor experiences and learning taking place each day are celebrated by the children and staff. Parents are very supportive and positive about this provision at JC. |
Take a look at our Outdoor Learning/Outdoor Adventurous Activities Curriculum Map
If taking part in Outdoor sessions, your child will need to bring warm and waterproof clothing and wellies or boots.
We have now taken stock of waterproof suits, waterproof trousers and wellies of all sizes, so we can dress anybody appropriately even if they forget their own gear!
Remember - there is no such thing as unsuitable weather, just unsuitable clothing! Please talk to your child about how many layers, extra socks, gloves, hats etc they need!
Your child will know if they need clothing but please check on the timetable if you are unsure.....
Spring term 2020





