Outdoor Learning

Subject Leader: Miss Smart

All children at Matchborough visit the forest throughout the year. Nursery and Reception use the woodland area in Early Years with visits to the big forest and Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 use the forest area next to the field.

Venturing into the forest throughout the whole year will mean that children will start to connect to their school and local environment and take a real sense of pride and care towards it. The children will start to notice the difference between all four seasons in more detail. They will notice the similarities and differences between how the environment smells and feels.

Our aims when using the Forest or outdoor area are:- 

               · to build the children’s independence and self esteem.

· to combine freedom with responsibility.

· to allow children to experience changing seasons and all weathers

· for the children to discover their abilities without fear of failure or criticism.

We see the benefits of Visitng the Forest area to the children as:-

• Extending their learning through real life experiences and self
• Giving them experiences that are enjoyable and rewarding.
• Creating opportunities for them to build on their previous experience
• Offering them a broad curriculum
• Creating opportunities for them to gain more awareness of environmental concerns initiated exploration.