Outdoor Learning and Forest School
We are absolutely passionate about giving the children frequent opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Research now backs up what educational practitioners have known all along – that children are stimulated by the outdoors and typically experience, over time, an increase in their self belief, confidence, learning capacity, enthusiasm, communication and problem-solving skills and emotional well-being. All children get the chance to experience 'woodland learning' at Hayfield Primary School and we are on the journey to be an officially recognised Forest School. The children visit the woodland with their class throughout the year. They are then given opportunities to explore the area, learn to identify the flora and fauna, as well as make fires, cook marshmallows, whittle sticks, boil a Kelly kettle, build dens and climb trees. Furthermore, teachers use our extensive grounds to provide stimulating opportunities for learning outside the constrains of the classroom. This really does bring learning to life and creates improved opportunities for our wonderful children to learn.
We have a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner now. Congratulations Mrs McErlean.