Butterknowle Primary School

Butterknowle, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL13 5PB

Butterknowle Primary School

 Butterknowle Primary School
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Home / Pupils / Outdoor Play And Learning

Outdoor Play And Learning

Welcome to our  Outdoor Play And Learning page

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We began our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) journey in September 2017. We are currently working towards our first OPAL award. So far we have;

  • Created an outdoor classroom to promote learning in our outdoor environment
  • Equipped children with a range of open ended resources to explore during playtimes. This includes tyres,planks,cable reels and a tunnel.
  • Provided training for all staff including lunchtime supervisors
  • Encouraged children to wear appropriate clothing so that they may access the outdoors whatever the weather.

 

Forest Schools at Butterknowle Primary School

Forest Schools session in our school grounds

Forest Schools session in our school grounds

The idea of Forest Schools came from Scandinavia, where outdoor living is part of everyday life. The Scandinavian people believe that nature and movement are the key factors in development, and the children there spend at least one day a week outside, in all weathers. They are engaged in learning activities, harnessing the skills that involve respecting the environment whilst looking after themselves and others around them.

The Forest School initiative was born in the UK after a visit & study to Denmark in the 1990’s, by the Nursery Nursing Department at Bridgwater College, and is becoming an increasingly popular way of learning in an outdoor classroom.

At Butterknowle School, we are very fortunate to have a safe and accessible forest area within our own grounds and this will be used as our base for learning. An important part of Forest Schools is that children experience the outdoor environment in all weathers – with the exception of very high winds or thunder storms. Activities are very much child initiated & led, and using the main curriculum, activities will be tailored to the age and ability. With traditional boundaries removed, the children are encouraged to set their own boundaries and be responsible for each other and their surroundings.

Forest Schools activities will teach children about:

  • caring for, managing & understanding the woodland environment
  • using different hand tools, starting with potato peelers
  • creating a ‘camp’ fire and the associated safety aspects
  • building a shelter using the materials we have available in the wood as well tarpaulins
  • using a a Kelly Kettle to provide us with a warm drink

Forest School Aims:

  • Promote self worth, esteem & independence
  • Instil a sense of pride and an ‘I can’ attitude
  • Encourage team work
  • Develop vital communication & social skills
  • Create a positive experience

Different children will get different things from the Forest School sessions, what is very clear though, is that there is no doubt that all children do benefit from taking part.

The information provided here is by no means exhaustive, and further information will be sent home or posted here in due course. In the meantime, however, please do not hestiate in contacting school should you have any questions, and if we don’t know the answer immediately, we will find out!

In this section

  • School Clubs & Extended After School Care
  • Pupil Voice
  • Outdoor Play & Learning
  • Rights Respecting School
The Local Offer

Bronze Eco Schools Bronze Award
Healthy School logo

Anti bullying logo
School Games Bronze

Copyright © 2021 Butterknowle Primary School

Butterknowle

Bishop Auckland

County Durham

DL13 5PB

Tel Telephone: 01388 718 369 · Email butterknowle@durhamlearning.net


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