Outdoor Learning at Longtown

At Longtown Community Primary School, our outdoor learning aims to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences.

Outdoor learning allows children to build a relationship with our area and understanding and appreciation of the environment. It allows children to learn new skills, build confidence, self-esteem and independence whilst enjoying the benefits of fresh air and the outdoors.

Outdoor learning takes place in all weathers in the first half of the Autumn term and resumes in the Spring. Children are provided appropriate outer clothing so that they can fully and comfortably participate in their activities. The aim is to have fun whilst staying warm and dry.

We are fortunate to be able to use the beautiful surroundings of farmland, rivers, mountains and woodland that surround our school, which provide us with the wonderful natural resources in which our outdoor learning flourishes.

In addition to the lead member of staff, the children are encouraged to identify potential risks and suggest ways to stay safe whilst playing and working outdoors.

Over the years we have developed close links to our neighbouring Longtown Outdoor Learning Trust Centre. Through the expertise of their staff and ours, we benefit from well planned and exciting activities.

Here are a few of the activities undertaken in the Autumn term 2024;

EYFS Hub: The Hub is always outside and their exciting adventures include... measuring sticks for making scarecrows, Bug hunts, Drawing the Autumn trees,Collecting and examining the Autumn leaves, picking blackberries for making apple and blackberry crumble, climbing the trees in the woods, playing on the rope swing and gathering unusually shape sticks for making 'Stickman'.

Class 2: 

Class 3: River dipping, tree identification and creating mini ponds.

Class 4: Fire lighting, outdoor cooking and den building. Pupils made a delicious soup using their fire lighting                skills. They harvested blackberries and preserved them by pickling.