At Grand Avenue Primary and Nursery School, we believe that learning can happen anywhere, especially in the great outdoors. Our fantastic outdoor spaces, including a mini amphitheatre, allotments, sensory garden, and orienteering trail, provide rich opportunities for children to engage with the world around them and use their imaginations.

Curriculum Integration

We aim to take the school curriculum outside whenever possible, making learning both fun and practical:

• Maths: Children might line up as 10s counters in a human place value grid to understand numbers better.
• English: Students create obstacle courses for class toys to learn prepositions in a dynamic way.
• Science and Geography: Our orienteering trail is a perfect match for outdoor learning, where students can investigate mapping, directions, and the natural environment.

Sensory Garden

Our sensory garden offers a peaceful retreat for children who feel overwhelmed by the busy school environment. It’s not only a haven for relaxation but also a creative space where classes can sketch, read quietly, or listen to stories. Teachers also use this serene setting for RHE (Relationships and Health Education) lessons, fostering discussions in a calm atmosphere.

Outdoor Learning Champions

We have six eager volunteers who have become Outdoor Learning Champions. They take responsibility for our outdoor spaces and promote sustainability and ecology within our school. These champions attended the Kingston Primary Schools Eco Conference at Tiffin Girl’s School and brought back a wealth of ideas. One of their major achievements was helping to create our ‘Outdoor Library’ under the reading tree, a dedicated space for children to read, write, or draw during break time.

Gardening Club

Our active Gardening Club has worked diligently on the allotment throughout the year. They have successfully grown crops used in our school kitchens, sold to the school community, and enjoyed personally. This hands-on experience teaches students about agriculture, responsibility, and the rewards of hard work.

Whole School Events

With the support of GASPA, our parent association, we have organised several whole school events that encourage outdoor activity and learning:

• Grand Avenue Big Sow: Children from every year group, from Reception to Year 6, had the opportunity to prepare beds, sow seeds, plant seedlings, and nurture young plants. This event promotes teamwork, patience, and an understanding of the growth process.
• Grand Sunflower Growing Competition: Each child made their own newspaper pot and planted two sunflower seeds to take home and care for. The competition culminated in a celebration where the child with the tallest sunflower in each year group was recognised.

By incorporating outdoor learning into our curriculum and school activities, we aim to foster a love for nature, encourage physical activity, and provide diverse learning experiences for our students.