Outdoor Learning at HATO
We feel very lucky that at HATO all children have the opportunity to take part in a variety of outdoor learning lessons over the year. A qualified Forest School Leader, Ms Bryant, supports these lessons, which will be held in the park or in the school grounds.
What is Outdoor learning?
This is an exciting opportunity for children to have lessons in the outdoor environment linking in social skills and a variety of learning opportunities to support children’s wellbeing and their lessons.
These sessions will provide teaching and learning opportunities, which will include time and space to develop skills and positive relationships with the natural world. They encourage curiosity and increase children’s self-confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Through providing these experiences we aim to:
- Provide creative and exciting opportunities for all learners
- Enhance academic success for all our children
- Provide a language rich environment
- Develop children who are resilient when faced with new challenges
- Develop self-esteem and self-confidence via practical learning experiences
- Encourage collaboration and support through positive peer partnerships
- Develop an inquisitive and positive relationship with the natural world
- Respect each other and the world around us.
When will it take place?
EYFS will take part in Nature Nurture lessons throughout the school year.
The rest of the school will have Science in Nature lessons within the school day that link their science learning to the local environment and the world around them. These will happen in:
Autumn 1 |
Autumn 2 |
Spring 1 |
Spring 2 |
Summer 1 |
Summer 2 |
YEAR 1 |
YEAR 3 |
YEAR 1 |
YEAR 2 |
YEAR 5 |
YEAR 4 YEAR 6 |
In addition to this, the whole school take part in International Outdoor Classroom days in November and May.
Will it take place in all weathers?
YES - it will happen in all weathers (unless it is VERY windy or icy!), so please make sure your child has suitable clothes for the weather.
What does my child need to wear?
They will ALWAYS need to bring into school clothes to change into:
- Long sleeved top and jumper
- Tracksuits bottoms
- Socks (above the ankle in length) – these should not be school socks in case they get wet so that children have dry socks to change into
- Old trainers or wellies that may get wet and muddy
Your child WILL get dirty, so please only send your child to school in clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy.
If it is cold/ wet, they will also need:
- Waterproof coat
- Waterproof trousers if they have them
- Wellies if they have them (Wellies are good at keeping feet dry but not very good at keeping feet warm unless you have a few pairs of socks on.)
Lots of layers are more effective than a single thicker layer in terms of protecting from the cold.)
If it is hot and sunny, they will also need:
- If it is sunny please apply sunscreen before your child comes to school
- A sun hat
What else do we do to enhance our curriculum and our environment?
We provide opportunities for children to garden and grow vegetables throughout the year. The children take the vegetables to the kitchen which helps them understand where food comes from.
Y6 have also had the opportunity to work with Tottenham Grow where they learnt more about a variety of plants and vegetables.
Our Eco Council our looking for further opportunities to look after our environment. Their vision is: