A DERBY school has received national recognition for its commitment to taking learning outside of the classroom.
Research shows that being taught beyond the classroom walls makes learning more memorable and appeals to different learning styles. It can raise attainment and contributes significantly to improving the personal, social and emotional development of pupils.
Pupils at St Giles School have access to Forest School sessions at a nearby mainstream school.
And now St Giles School, the city’s only special primary school, have achieved the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Silver mark for their commitment to providing this provision to all of its pupils.
Karen Toulson, Assistant Headteacher at St Giles School, said: “Being awarded the LOtC Mark (Silver) is a fantastic achievement for all the staff and governors here as it shows that we are really making strides in providing our pupils with potentially life-changing opportunities.
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“Pupils routinely access learning beyond the classroom as part of our curriculum offer. This includes spaces such as our learning kitchen and sensory room, outside in the school grounds and individual classroom outdoor spaces, too.
The Learning Kitchen at St Giles School is popular with both staff and pupils!
“We also regularly visit places in the local community, such as the park, supermarket or a place of interest, and we have a dedicated outdoor team who promote the use of our outdoor spaces.
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“All of our curriculum teams also plan enrichment days throughout the year and these sessions always have an element of learning beyond the classroom. We are thrilled to get official recognition for our efforts and look forward to building on this award to help more children achieve their potential.”
St Giles School, which recently joined the Spencer Academy Trust of schools in the East Midlands, was rated Outstanding at its last inspection by OFSTED.
However, the government inspectors advised St Giles to improve their outdoor learning experiences for all pupils. This is something which the school has been working hard on since the inspection in 2016.
“Children at St Giles regularly attend sensory swimming lessons at Victoria Park Leisure Centre and visit mainstream Carlyle Infant & Nursery School for ‘Forest School’ sessions with our specially-trained staff, Anna Young and Jakk Capewell, who are both passionate about outdoor learning,” added Mrs Toulson.
Ms Young, learning tutor and Forest School lead, said: “All staff at St Giles are enthusiastic and creative in the use of learning beyond the classroom as a key extension of our curriculum. We understand and value its benefits for our pupils. We are all very proud to be celebrating this great achievement.”
“Learning outside the classroom has many proven educational benefits as well as providing some of the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life,” said Kim Somerville, chief executive of the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
“Achieving the LOtC Mark (Silver) demonstrates that St Giles School is committed to developing and delivering genuinely valuable learning outside the classroom experiences for their children and young people and I congratulate them on achieving this award.”
For further information please contact Kerry Ganly at Penguin PR on 01332 416228/07734 723951 or email kerry@penguinpr.co.uk
