Real-World Play

While real-world play is a type of play often encouraged indoors, it’s also easily adaptable to outdoor play too. For example, incorporating the benefits of mud kitchens, a car garage, or a market stall are all ideas that can help children engage in real-world play and learn essential communication and life skills.

Outdoor Classrooms

Creating a covered outdoor classroom area can help both children and teachers enjoy the benefits of spending more time outside all year round. Include seating areas and tables for carrying out projects. Heating systems in covered areas are also a great tool to allow for more outdoor time even in the colder months.

Studying Nature And Wildlife

One of the most important factors of outdoor learning is that it gives children the opportunity to learn more about the natural world. Consider carrying out lessons on subjects such as local wildlife, ecosystems, or changing weather and seasons throughout the year. Tasks such as finding different insects to tick off a list, or naming different trees based on the leaves they find can help children learn more about their environment, thereby creating more of a respectful attitude toward it and the effect we can have on it.

Sports And Exercise

Another important aspect of outdoor time in education is incorporating sports and exercise. There are a wide variety of different sports and exercise activities that can be planned in outdoor spaces, from simple sports day activities to more complex sports. Outdoor activities help combine the benefits of exercise with the benefits of being outdoors both for physical health, but also mental health.

Science And Curiosity

When planning outdoor lesson ideas, science is a great topic to focus on. Whatever age group you’re planning lessons for, outdoor science classes can be a valuable learning tool for increasing knowledge and boosting curiosity. It allows you to carry out classes in an environment that gives direct access to the subjects being taught about. For example, learning about the environment and how to help wildlife, or how plants grow and what they need to thrive. Carrying out science experiments in outdoor spaces can help make them safer and more exciting for the children, and offer a more practical space for everyone to take part in the lesson.

We hope these ideas have helped you plan outdoor play and learning opportunities for the children you care for, and have helped to highlight the importance of outdoor play in children’s learning and development. Whether it’s early years settings or high school classes, there is a wide range of positive aspects to outdoor learning that both the children and teachers can benefit from.

Under the new partnership, fencing sessions will be delivered at Inspiring Learning’s 11 Kingswood centres around the country, reaching thousands of students on residentials throughout the year. Inspiring Learning will also be responsible for hosting and training British Fencing coaches in the new lesson format. The new programme will be delivered within British Fencing’s ‘We Are Forging Futures’ framework, an Ofsted-aligned Resilience and Self-Efficacy programme designed to build confidence in young people through fencing-based activities.

Grounded in outcomes-based learning, the new partnership transforms fencing sessions – traditionally focused on the technical aspects of the sport – to instead enable young people to develop the less tangible skills of resilience, such as dealing with and bouncing back from setbacks, all within in a safe game-based environment. From this, the students can take the soft skills developed back into the classroom and their wider lives.

In addition to these lessons, as further commitment to Inspiring Learning’s ethos of using evidence-based practices, the partnership includes the funding of a research programme at Sheffield Hallam University. The aim of this project is to measure and evaluate the impact of the new fencing programme on young people’s resilience levels. It will be led by Inspiring Learning’s Head of Learning and Impact, Dr John Allan PhD, who is also a Visiting Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University.

Andy Barnett, Head of Partnerships at Inspiring Learning, said “As the new Official Resilience Partner of British Fencing, we are very excited to deliver this innovative fencing programme and to improve resilience among young people. When it comes to outdoor education, it is important to look beyond the activity itself, in this case fencing, and instead explore how it can build adaptable skillsets needed in today’s society. We look forward to working with British Fencing as we continue our work in providing outdoor education to young people across the UK.”

Harry Brown, National Partnership & Engagement Manager at British Fencing, added “We are delighted to welcome this new relationship with Inspiring Learning as British Fencing’s Official Resilience Partner. Through this mutually beneficial partnership, thousands of students on residentials throughout the year will have the opportunity to not only participate in fencing activities, but also benefit from our educationally-aligned ‘We Are Forging Futures’ framework, building confidence and resilience. We are eager to begin this new journey together and look forward to seeing the impact that this collaboration brings to young people across Inspiring Learning’s 11 Kingswood centres around the country.”

Launched in 2017 and available to every primary school in England and Wales, Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to support pupils in the classroom, the playground and on the sports field.

Premier League Primary Stars’ range of more than 640 curriculum-linked activities support teachers to build their pupils’ confidence in key areas from Maths and English to PSHE and Physical Education and can be used off-the-shelf or tailored to suit teachers’ needs. More than 58,000 teachers have downloaded and used the free curriculum-linked resources since the programme began.

To mark the five-year anniversary, the Premier League is launching the Active Summer Challenge. This brand new initiative will challenge pupils to find five ways to keep active during the summer holidays, a time when fitness levels can drop. The new resources are now available for teachers to download for free on the Premier League Primary Stars website.

Exclusive content featuring Premier League players, club coaches and experts has been created to support teachers to inspire pupils deliver impactful PE lessons. Nine out of 10 teachers believe that they have seen an increase in pupils’ enjoyment of sport and physical activity linked to the programme.

In addition to PE, English and Maths resources, Premier League Primary Stars also supports teachers to deliver classroom-based discussions and activities on important societal topics such as anti-discrimination, mental health and gender stereotypes linked to No Room for Racism, Wellbeing Stars, and Rainbow Laces. After using the PSHE resources, 72% said that their pupils understand more about how to challenge prejudice and discrimination and 79% of teachers said their pupils have a better understanding of how to look after their own wellbeing.

Natalie Sutton, School Manager at Sandfield Close Primary School, said: “The Premier League Primary Stars programme has opened up so many opportunities and doors to us that we wouldn’t have been able to open on our own. We’ve had such a positive experience since joining back in 2018. It is important to measure progress but for me, it is also important to see our pupils expand their thinking and learn about key subjects in a fun and engaging way. It has all been so positive for us as teachers, but more importantly beneficial to the learning of our pupils.”

www.PLPrimaryStars.com

Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) based in Portsmouth, is now a member of IOL, which champions safe activities and effective learning in the outdoors. Its mission is to increase participation in outdoor learning in the UK and to recognise and improve the quality of outdoor provision.

Alastair Floyd, Chief Executive Officer at TSYT, said: “We’re delighted to be a new member of the Institute for Outdoor Learning. As a professional provider of outdoor learning, our membership gives us the opportunity to enhance our provision for young people and to increase our reach nationally with young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. “We’re looking forward to learning and sharing new ideas and best practice with other member organisations within the sector.”

A TSYT voyage provides the perfect opportunity for young people aged 12-25 to get outdoors, take notice of the world around them and learn lessons for life at sea.

As the UK’s oldest and largest youth development sail training charity, TSYT has been providing young people with life-changing experiences at sea for 65 years.

During this time, more than 120,000 young people have experienced a life-changing adventure with the youth organisation, sailing over two million nautical miles — equivalent to sailing round the world 92 times.

As a charity, TSYT recognises the importance of outdoor education and the benefits of taking learning beyond the classroom.

Onboard a TSYT voyage, young people develop a range of skills, which can be transferred to their day-to-day lives to help them overcome any barriers and thrive. Working together as a team they grow in confidence and self-esteem and see a significant improvement in their communication and leadership skills.

For more information on the organisation’s youth voyages visit: www.tallships.org and to learn more about the Institute for Outdoor Learning at https://www.outdoor-learning.org/.

Led by The School Archery League (SAL) and supported by Archery GB, the accessible competition helps set a new challenge for pupils that supports mental focus, promotes fun and provides the benefits of physical activity – all in a socially distant way. The Virtual Schools Archery League is open to all schools across the country, with separate divisions for barebow and recurve bows as well as abilities. Shooting can take place indoors or outdoors to suit the school’s facilities.

Over the past year, various lockdowns and periods of home-schooling have meant physical activity has been restricted for many pupils, with a negative impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. As a naturally socially-distanced activity, archery is the perfect sport to get pupils moving and motivated again.

Schools joining the Virtual Schools Archery League are invited to submit one or more groups for entry, who will then compete against other schools within the same category. Teachers record and submit each archer’s top scoring shooting round virtually during the competition period, and a winner is announced every half term.

Sarah Gibbs, SAL Coordinator says: “We want to get as many pupils as possible across the country involved in the League and having a go at archery. It’s a great sport that everyone can enjoy – and with in-person inter-school competitions currently limited, the Schools Archery League is a great way for students to enjoy an inclusive, competitive sport, in a safe and socially-distanced way.

“We think students will really enjoy the thrill when they hit the target and can see their aim improve over time. Of course, a bit of friendly competition between schools makes for added excitement too!”

Neil Armitage, CEO of Archery GB said, “The Virtual Schools Archery League is a fantastic initiative and one that we hope really encourages more students to get involved in the sport. Archery is well-recognised as an inclusive sport that is accessible to all ages and abilities, so it also helps engage those that are perhaps not naturally drawn to sports. Covid-19 has had a significant impact on physical activity across the board, and archery is an ideal sport for post-Covid times to help boost mental and physical wellbeing.”

Accessible across the spectrum regardless of age, physical ability or gender, archery is a uniquely inclusive sport. As one of very few that sees disabled and non-disabled participants and those of all ages compete against each other on level terms, archery truly breaks down barriers and creates an accessible path to sporting fun for all levels of abilities and fitness.

With physical benefits such as improved stamina and upper body strength, mental benefits of improved control, enhanced focus and boosted self-confidence, students also benefit from the social and competitive aspects of competing alongside their teammates.

This summer, Archery GB will once again be leading The Big Weekend event (9 – 11 July), which this year will be preceded by The Big Week (5 – 9 July), encouraging even more people to have a go at the inclusive sport. With a whole host of activities, including taster sessions, social events, fun games and archery challenges there will be plenty of opportunities to try the inclusive sport at clubs, venues, centres and schools nationwide – perfect for the 77% of British adults who wish they’d been able to try archery during school PE.

To find out more about the Virtual School Archery League, schools should email CFCARCHERY@gmail.com.

For more information on archery, including The Big Week and The Big Weekend, please visit www.archerygb.org.

For more on getting started with archery, head to www.startarchery.co.uk.

With these courses, students will have two training sessions and one class a day for 3 days a week, and will achieve a NCFE qualification, the same as they’d receive at a typical college of further education. During the courses however, they will also have the benefit of competitive games on a Wednesday.

Both courses at Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club will begin in September 2021 and are open for enrolment now. To apply, click here: https://www.wearescl.co.uk/birmingham-rugby

Travis McIntyre, who runs the academy, said: “We’re so excited to announce that we’ll be running two brand new courses from September, it’s something that we’ve been wanting to expand into for a while now and because of the popularity of football and women’s rugby around Birmingham, we’re sure we’ll have some incredible players join us.

“We started the academy in 2014, exclusively running men’s rugby courses, but it’s been so successful that we’re sure we have the expertise and knowledge to replicate this into a football course and, adapt the knowledge we already have for the women’s rugby classes.

“Our past rugby students have gone on to gain full scholarships at universities and play in the Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club’s team, so while we are primarily a rugby club, we appreciate all sport and are excited to expand our student base to football, as well as rugby.”

The first information evening is Monday 17th May at 7pm in the Reddings Suite at Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, subject to Government guidelines.

Whilst studies have suggested that sport and outdoor education such as bushcraft have benefits to young people, the ambitious programme will look in detail at the types of intervention that work best for different profiles of student. The programme aims to allow targeted interventions to be developed so that students have greater chance to thrive at secondary school and beyond.

The timing of this programme is of further relevance given the increased risk to young people’s mental health posed by the current Covid19 pandemic, emphasising the need for alternative, creative programmes such as this to support young people both during and post this challenging period.

Beginning early in 2021, more than 230 students from the BET family of seven schools, plus Steyning Grammar School (soon to join BET) will be involved in a series of visits to ACCF’s incredible grounds, to take part in activities including: cricket coaching, bushcraft courses, health based activities, and visits to Arundel Castle and its gardens.

The activities will allow students to develop skills in resilience and self-confidence, which school staff will translate back into the classroom. Evaluation of the results will be completed by ImpactEd, a professional research organisation, so that all schools within and beyond BET can learn how best to ensure every child has an equal chance in school.

The new project will support BET’s ongoing work into the benefits of outdoor education and will ensure that curriculum policies are informed by the best possible research.

Neil Strowger, Trust Leader at BET said, “Outdoor activities and education can be life-changing experiences for many children. Some with very little confidence have gone on to be head boys and girls; others with little self-belief or who may have disengaged with school entirely have achieved excellent exam results and reached positive destinations.

“At BET, we welcome opportunities for collaboration and game-changing research. This programme breaks new ground by informing and giving us the chance to ensure that connections between student profiles and different types of outdoor activity intervention can be properly considered.”

Tim Shutt, Director of the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation said: “Our education-rich surrounds here at Arundel are ideally suited to providing life-changing learning experiences to young people who may be facing some form of disadvantage or simply struggling with school. The need for interventions such as this, as we sit within a global pandemic, is as great as it has ever been.

“We are delighted to be forming this educational partnership with Bohunt Education Trust. They committed to innovative, “game-changing” outdoor education and their expertise will be crucial in delivering the desired outputs. In addition, we are incredibly grateful to Ned’s Fund, whose generosity has enabled us to deliver this potentially groundbreaking programme. Their ethos is very much aligned to ours and their passion to transform the lives of young people needing support is hugely inspiring.”

It can be played as a team, singles or doubles, has had a massive impact in schools across the UK and is spreading rapidly internationally.

Sitting squarely in the National Curriculum, with discounts for education, it ticks all your PE & Sport Premium boxes. VX emphasises honesty and integrity in sport. Schools use it in many ways, both in the curriculum and for afterschool. It involves a massive amount of both aerobic and anaerobic fitness,– but the youngsters don’t realise how hard they are working. As Helen Mackenzie (Director of Sport for Ripon Schools) said: “VX – it’s got the lot!”

www.vxinternational.com

www.watchvx.tv

upmh@vxinternational.com

07790 351534

This limited offer on a new sand-dressed hockey pitch is part of the scheme from The European Hockey Federation (EHF), the governing body of hockey in Europe.

As the UK’s only one-stop-shop for synthetic pitches, SIS Pitches are experts in synthetic turf. Providing pitches all over the world for some of the biggest names in the sport, as well as schools and universities across the UK, their passion is delivering pitches that are outstanding and durable for a variety of sports.

With this in mind, SIS Pitches have chosen to support the worthy scheme by providing a high-quality hockey pitch to a school who would like to develop their facilities.

About the pitch

The pitch will be tufted with an 18mm specialised polypropylene fibre in order to provide non-directional ball roll. The turf will be backed with latex to increase tuft retention.

The full-size pitch will be manufactured in the SIS Pitches UK factory within 5 weeks from the order date, with a warranty of 6 years.

The pitch will be manufactured with 75mm white lines on the field, with additional white lines that will be supplied for the D’s and dashes on the field.

At a significantly reduced price of £8/m2, this pitch would be perfect for a school.

Please note this offer is pitch only so it does not include transport/shipping, shockpad, installation or sand. Please contact us for more information.

Exceeding our clients’ expectations, every time

We have over 15 years’ experience working with some of the most prestigious schools, colleges and universities in the UK including:

• Loughborough University – Official Stadium Pitch Partner
• Manchester University
• Coventry Schools Foundation
• Alive Lynnsport
• Ipswich School
• University of Cumbria
• Ben Rhydding Sports Club
• Redbridge Sports Centre
• Hull University
• Cundall Manor
• St Mary’s School

For more information about this pitch, contact the SIS Pitches team today via the website or call on 01900 812 796

The leading youth charity scooped the accolade at the annual School Travel Awards 2018/19, the UK’s biggest event for school travel and learning outside the classroom.

Chosen by readers of School Travel Organiser magazine, the annual awards recognise the best venues, attractions and companies for educational visits.

Anita Kerwin-Nye, Director of Strategy and Engagement at YHA (England & Wales) said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to receive the award as it recognises the commitment and dedication of all YHA staff – both in hostel and behind the scenes, to delivering the very best experience for schools who choose to stay with us.”

Last year almost 100,000 primary and secondary school children stayed on school trips with YHA (England & Wales). The charity operates more than 150 youth hostels through England and Wales in cities, towns, coastal and National Park locations, with more than 80 of them Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) accredited; the most of any UK provider.

Research has shown that children from lower socio-economic groups, and those with special educational needs and disabilities are less likely to visit the countryside or undertake rural leisure pursuits.

To enable schools to provide the opportunity for outdoor travel and adventure to all their students, YHA’s Educational Breaks support programme supports young people aged between 8 and 18 who are eligible for Pupil Premium and have additional social challenges. Up to 10 young people in a group can apply for a two-night supported break at a Youth Hostel. The current round of applications to YHA’s Educational Breaks programme is open until 31^st January 2019.

Anita added: “Giving young people the opportunity to learn and develop through travel and adventure is our passion and one of the main reasons that YHA exists. We know that travel and adventure are transformative for young people; benefitting their emotional, social and academic development. We hope that our Educational Breaks programme will enable more schools to give the very children who need to most, the opportunity to benefit from a residential experience.”

Highlighting the importance of young people having the opportunity to access travel and adventure in the outdoors, YHA recently launched The Adventure Effect campaign. At the heart of the campaign is a film which features a social experiment highlighting the impact of young people not having the opportunity to access travel and the outdoors. Watch the powerful film at www.groups.yha.org.uk/adventure-effect

To book your next residential school trip with YHA or apply for Educational Breaks support, visit https://groups.yha.org.uk/