A Vision for Outdoor Learning
Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, Roecliffe C of E Primary School has taken significant strides towards embedding Outdoor Learning into its curriculum, ensuring that every child engages with nature in purposeful and meaningful ways. Through embracing the Creating Active Schools (CAS) framework, Roecliffe are trialling a new approach, making Outdoor Learning a core part of their curriculum.
Identifying Focus Areas Through the CAS Profile
Using the CAS Profile, the school identified key areas where it could increase physical activity through use of the local natural environment. Recognising the benefits of engaging in outdoor learning, from improving mental wellbeing to considering how to support pupils holistic development, Roecliffe have integrated curriculum subjects into a tailored plan to maximise outdoor opportunities for all pupils.
Creating a Comprehensive Curriculum linked Outdoor Learning Offer
Led by Sarah Ratliffe, Roecliffe’s CAS school lead, the school has created a robust and impressive Outdoor Learning offer, ensuring that every child experiences the natural world through high quality and carefully sequenced curriculum links. A structured trial phase has begun, where each class participate in Outdoor Learning sessions twice per half-term. The sessions will initially cover National Curriculum objectives from a range of subjects including; Science, DT, Art and PE.
To support this new pedagogical approach, Roecliffe have learned from schools within the national CAS network. The school have been able to access the CAS CPD resource library, paying close attention the Outdoor Learning toolkit to help shape the school’s unique approach. With access to research backed resources, staff are refining their strategies and expanded their knowledge to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences.
Influencing Policy & Leadership
The impact of Outdoor Learning at Roecliffe extends beyond individual classrooms, it is beginning to influence policy, shaping leadership attitudes towards teaching and learning. By integrating Outdoor Learning into the broader school framework, staff are considering the benefits of active learning environments, demonstrating how nature can enhance curriculum delivery and pupil engagement.
Connecting with Natural Spaces: Badger Wood
A key aspect of Roecliffe’s vision is Badger Wood, a natural learning space which promotes movement beyond the school grounds. This area has become a hub for purposeful curriculum links, physical activity, child led exploration, and hands on activities, providing a rich sensory experience that supports risk management and pupils cognitive and emotional development.
Investing in the Workforce
To further strengthen their commitment to Outdoor Learning, Roecliffe have invested in an in-house Forest School Practitioner, Mrs Leonnie Green. Her expertise ensures that sessions are structured, engaging, and aligned with the principles of Forest School education. This approach fosters independence, resilience, and environmental stewardship, allowing children to develop a lifelong appreciation for nature.
Whole-School Outdoor Learning Celebration
Just before the May half term, the entire school came together for a day of Outdoor Learning, led by Mrs. Green, Roecliffe’s newly qualified Forest School Leader. From curriculum-based learning tasks, woodland exploration to team-building challenges, the event showcased the transformative power of nature in education.
‘Using the CAS Framework to identify how we could increase physical activity was very effective at pinpointing the areas we could quickly advance and those that will be built upon over time. Developing our use of outdoor learning has been hugely beneficial for all the children in school, helping them to build perseverance, resilience and a passion for the outdoors. It allows them to learn in a practical and engaging way while still covering all areas of the curriculum. Investing in Leonnie as a Forest School Practitioner has ensured that the forest school expertise is being taught to a high level and that children are learning lifelong skills’ – Sarah Ratliffe
Roecliffe’s approach to Outdoor Learning reflects the very essence of Creating Active Schools, embedding physical activity, collaboration, and both the physcial and social environments within a school community. Through CAS resources, leadership support, and a commitment to whole-school change, Roecliffe has set an inspiring example for schools across the region. School leaders have designed and implemented a strong model using nature to support outcomes as well as boosting physical and mental health and wellbeing for all pupils.
Be sure to check out the gallery section to see Roecliffe pupils learning through the natural world! Interested in hearing more? Get in touch with our Education Manager: Niall@northyorkshiresport.co.uk
