Outdoor learning, play and education provides children with an excellent opportunity to learn in a real life environment. It opens up the classroom and broadens the opportunities that are available to that of a formal classroom. It is also fun, enjoyable, realistic and meaningful allowing for better retention of information through play and Walworth School recently opened its new, bear themed, outdoor area for its KEY Stage 1 children. The environment is broken up into specific areas and allows the children to explore, develop knowledge and understanding and try new experiences.
It builds on young children`s desire to investigate and see what happens next. It allows them to create, imagine, work together, promoting positive outcomes and relationships, while at the same time learning. Literacy and numeracy skills can be practiced and refined in an environment that is designed with children at the heart of everything that goes on Head Teacher Peter Wallbanks said: “Without the financial support given by The Big Lottery, none of this new area would have been possible. With this help we can allow young children to be creative and expressive in thought and action.
The smiles on their faces providing clear evidence of how popular the area is for our children”. All the children and staff would also like to thank Greggs for supporting their event where parents, Governors and friends of the school shared a magical afternoon, “Going on a bear Hunt”.
