Case Study: Learning Outside the Classroom Creative Maths, Science and Literacy

We've been promoting the benefits of Learning Outside the Classroom ever since our foundation, ten years ago.

Over that time, we have developed a whole range of methodologies, sharing our passion for and expertise in the area with tens of thousands of children and young people right across the country. And, with a reputation for designing and delivering engaging, outcomes-driven CPD programmes in the area, we've recently provided workshops, twilights and half days for schools and Trusts from Somerset to Surrey, from Cheshire to Cambridgeshire.

It was a bitterly cold day in March when we arrived at Oxfordshire's Chesham Bois Primary with our portable, age-differentiated Outdoor Maths Trail - but that didn't stop pupils and teaching professionals joining in eagerly, moving from station to station in an independent carousel that both links maths explicitly to the outside world and tests pupils' knowledge and understanding of mathematical areas, right across the curriculum.

The Trail has been deliberately designed to allow us to work with every class in a one-form entry school like Chesham Bois Primary in a single day, so every pupil, from EYFS to Year 6, had the opportunity to sample their maths outdoors. In terms of the weather, Year 1 drew the short straw, with the snow still thick on the ground as they arrived for their workshop, with an Arctic wind raging around. But, as always, it didn't affect their enthusiasm!

The day ended with a twilight session for staff. And, after a facilitated discussion on the wider benefits of Learning Outside the Classroom (which, staff agreed, include subjects in context, multi-sensory working, health, physicality and wellbeing), it was time to put coats on and head back out into the gathering gloom. Once outside, we introduced participants to some of the playground games that we've adapted to act as science and literacy openers, guided them through a process allowing the creation of Outdoor Poetry - and shared with them some outdoor activities designed to put Shakespeare in contex, and bring his plays to life!

"We as teachers, and the children had a fabulous day - and are excited about using some of your ideas in our future lessons. A huge thank you!" (Chesham Bois CofE Combined School)

Get in touch:

To find out more about our Learning Outside the Classroom Workshops please contact us on 0151 708 8886, or email us at info@ascreatives.com.

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom is the national voice for learning outside the classroom. You can find out more at http://www.lotc.org.uk/