Outdoor Learning at ACE is not simply about delivering a literacy lesson whilst sat outside, or learning multiplication in the rain, it is about giving our children the experiences and skills needed to help them develop into happy and healthy individuals, who are able to have a positive impact on the world around them.

Wherever possible, we aim to take every area of the curriculum outside of the classroom by providing the most engaging, hands on, learning experiences possible. Our outdoor team are passionate and enthusiastic about an outdoors approach, and they work with our teachers and pupils on a daily basis to constantly develop and improve our use of the fantastic setting we boast as our school grounds.

We do not want to give our pupils just a taste of something which they may find exciting and inspiring, only to limit this experience to an end of year reward or a field trip, we want to provide an environment where our pupils can find their passions, explore them and ultimately share them with their friends, their families and the wider community. Our pupils will have the opportunity to learn where their food comes from, how to grow it and even how to cook it, strengthening their chances of leading healthy and sustainable lives.

Forest Schools refers to a style of teaching that has its roots in Scandinavia, where preschool children spend their days outside in a woodland environment engrossed in hands on, child led learning experiences. The child led aspect of forest schools is perhaps the most crucial element with the outdoor environment facilitating the vast number of learning styles that children benefit from.

Our very own Mrs Hornby is a  Level 3 qualified Forest School practitioners. The programmes will take place both on school site in our very own forest school, as well as in the nearby location of John Leigh Park. During a series of forest schools sessions, the range of activities can vary widely with the interests of participants but a typical set of sessions could include:

• Den building
• Willow weaving
• Ethereal art
• Flora/ fauna identification
• Fire lighting
• Cooking over an open fire
  This list is by no means exhaustive though, and the best way to find out more is to get involved.
  Here at ACE we provide Forest Schools sessions which give the opportunity for parents to take part alongside their children. Speak to one of the team for more information.