Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning at Holbeach Primary Academy

We have a strong ethos for outdoor learning and believe it can be used across many curriculum areas to strengthen and deepen pupils’ understanding and knowledge. We create real-life experiences for our pupils. Through outdoor learning, pupils become confident, resilient, and determined learners. They are exposed to natural environments, enabling them to gain understanding and respect for the natural world and all that lives within it.

Our Approach

Holbeach Primary and Holbeach Bank Academies are committed to outdoor learning. Every class has at least one designated outdoor learning session per week, alongside incorporating outdoor experiences into everyday lessons wherever possible. Outdoor learning is planned to enrich and enhance in-school learning experiences, giving every pupil the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the natural world regularly.

Children learn specific outdoor skills, such as using flint and steel to light fires, teaching fire safety, respect for the environment, and working within safe boundaries they learn to manage themselves.

We also host special outdoor learning days, allowing children to collaborate across age groups. For example, the Green Champions programme, delivered by the Scout Association and funded by DEFRA and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, teaches children about birds, bugs, bees, plastic pollution, and growing green through discussion, games, and practical tasks.

Outdoor learning takes place on our school grounds and through local visits.

Vision in Action

By the end of KS2, all children will have enjoyed hands-on outdoor experiences that enhance their understanding of a wide variety of curriculum areas. They will develop imagination and creativity through exploration, resilience through challenging activities in all weathers, and cooperation through teamwork.

Pupils will gain a strong understanding of nature, the world around us, and sustainable practices such as growing plants and vegetables. They will contribute to developing our school grounds and caring for the environment.

Our schools will participate in initiatives such as the Lincolnshire in Bloom Schools Competition, the Royal Horticultural Society Gardening Awards, and other projects that celebrate outdoor learning.

Mr Spud and Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Learning Update

Mr Spud has supported Holbeach Primary pupils with a range of potatoes and grow bags to support our allotments and invest in our local area embracing food growth. The pupils have been busy learning about their optimum growing conditions and what they need to maintain and thrive. The photos share the stages that have been followed to begin this process and this has supported the pupil’s knowledge across science in particular. These photos show the involvement across Year 1 and 2 so far. Please keep an eye out to see how this progresses and other year groups that will support. Great thanks is also shared with Mr Spud for supporting us in making this happen.