Outdoor Learning

Ruislip Gardens Primary School believes that pupils should have regular, long-term access to a woodland or natural environment which provides them with inspirational and challenging outdoor learning opportunities. We are extremely fortunate to have extensive grounds at Ruislip Gardens. Every child has the opportunity to partake in Outdoor Learning sessions throughout the academic year – where we take learning outside!

Next to the fields, we also have an entrance to the Ickenham Marshes which provides a wonderful opportunity for the children to explore a different environment. Occasionally we also have external visitors who come in and run activities with the children to enhance their learning outdoors. Sometimes we just take our indoor learning outdoors! Children learn well through practical experiences, and having the vast grounds that we do enables us to bring learning to life. The pupils engage in a wide range of activities which involve exploring the area and using natural resources. They are taught to respect the area and everything that is living in it. They are taught new skills, such as tying knots, creating art, developing recipe etc. Many of the Outdoor learning lessons are led by the children’s interests and they have the chance to ask questions and explore their own ideas.

The pupils and staff love their Forest School sessions and we have noticed an impact particularly in the pupil’s language and social skills, with increased vocabulary and confidence.

They have the chance to work collaboratively e.g. building a “bug hotel”, or in pairs making cosy homes for wild creatures to hibernate in. A lot of the Forest School learning is led by the children’s interests and they have the chance to ask questions and explore their own ideas.

The pupils and staff love their Outdoor Learning sessions and we have noticed an impact particularly in the pupil’s language and social skills, with increased vocabulary and confidence.

All children bring in an Outdoor Learning kit of wellington boots and waterproof clothing as we enjoy exploring the elements throughout the seasons! Some sessions are planned for and some are spontaneous so we encourage the children to keep their kit in school.