Alex Dodgson, Year 3/4 Teacher and Forest School Leader and Outdoor Learning Lead at Bathampton Primary, explains how the school values the opportunity to use outdoor learning opportunities
Bathampton Primary School is making waves not just in academics but in creating a dynamic outdoor learning environment that nurtures creativity, curiosity and a love of nature among its pupils. As the seasons change, so do the opportunities for student engagement, exploration and personal growth – this is the heart of Bathampton’s unique educational approach.
At Bathampton Primary School, the traditional classroom is complemented by the outdoors. With a commitment to learning outside the classroom, the school incorporates its natural surroundings into the curriculum, allowing children to explore and discover the world beyond the classroom through curriculum based outdoor learning. Whether it’s in the school woods, meadow or in the surrounding community, each outdoor learning opportunity brings subjects to life in ways that solely indoor learning rarely can.
The school’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to utilise outdoor spaces for various subjects beyond traditional forest school. Through these opportunities, it is able to embraces curriculum-based outdoor learning and environmental education.
Incorporating the outdoors also means paying attention to the importance of global citizenship. Bathampton Primary School instils a sense of responsibility towards nature in its pupils. Through gardening projects and conservation efforts, they participate in nurturing the environment. Pupils learn the significance of sustainability and conservation practices, empowering them to become proactive in protecting their planet.
The school also understands the power of the community by actively engaging with parents, local organisations and environmental groups, creating collaborative opportunities for outdoor projects whilst having a positive, lasting impact on the school’s surrounding environment.
Pupils reflect the impact of these outdoor learning experiences not only on their learning but also their mental health. One child explained, “I can feel anxious if I am just inside all the time. I get to feel the fresh air whilst learning.”
Others also stated that it helped them to feel calm, happy and creative at school. Parents are also speak highly of the school’s outdoor approach, particularly those with children who have SEND needs. “Outdoor learning and the investment in it, is a leveller for my child as they can shine.”
As Bathampton Primary School continues to embrace outdoor learning, this approach not only enriches the curriculum but also helps to shape well-rounded, environmentally conscious learners. In a time when screen time so often dominates children’s lives, Bathampton is paving the way towards a more balanced, nature-integrated education.
As the school community gathers to celebrate the benefits of outdoor learning, its commitment is clear to nurturing future caretakers of the planet.
