Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning

We live in an era where spending time indoors is becoming more prevalent for children and there are reports of increases in mental health issues amongst the young, demonstrating that reconnecting children with nature is more crucial now than ever before. At Cherry Tree Hill we always look for opportunities to teach all National Curriculum subjects outdoors so that our pupils are provided with memorable learning experiences which will help them reach their highest potential. 

At Cherry Tree Hill we recognise the benefits of Outdoor Learning and use the teaching tool to help embed knowledge, develop resilience and a love for learning. Outdoor Leaning is inclusive and the fun element helps engage all of our pupils. Our school values known as the 3Bs are also linked to Outdoor Learning because pupils are taught how to stay safe in an outdoor environment, how to care for nature and how being outdoors can enhance their learning.

Our intent for Outdoor Learning

-Reconnect our pupils with nature and reap the benefits,

-Boost engagement, improve behaviour and deepen understanding,

-Bring up an environmentally aware generation,

-Improve the immune systems of our pupils,

-Immerse our pupils with nature so that their mental health improves,

-Use nature to cater for a wide range of needs, including SEND pupils.

Our site

At Cherry Tree Hill we are fortunate that we have a large outdoor space for our pupils to use. Each academic year we work on developing our site. Recently we have planted trees and shrubs to encourage more wildlife to visit our site and in previous years we have worked with our local community to create a greenhouse out of plastic bottles, a willow archway and a wooden seating area. We are always looking for ways to improve our site so please get in touch if you can help us further.