At Stoke Gabriel Primary and Preschool we relish the opportunity to take our learning outside. We use outdoor space as an extension of our classrooms, to deepen learning and appreciate the benefits of working in nature. We develop the whole child through this approach and enhance our curriculum experiences. We are constantly developing our space, learning how the children can use this effectively and how the seasons change our outdoor learning experiences.
Our outdoor learning can be both child and adult-led and we foster curiosity and exploration. We encourage large movement, sensory play and expressive approaches to learning as well as calm experiences and more structured learning opportunities outside. We develop confidence, resilience and problem solving through positive outdoor experiences.
Our outdoor learning happens in and around our school and is inclusive of all learners for all areas of the curriculum.
Spring term 2026
This term we have followed the children's interests - Pirates! The children were excited to see that pirates had hidden their treasure amongst the trees. This quickly led to making telescopes and looking closer at the world around us. They spotted different types of plants growing in the space and a variety of bugs, sparking lots of good questions. They then worked together as a team to hide the treasure for other children, sailed on a pirate ship and set traps using ropes.
The Horticultural Society have made us a mud pit and FOSS have provided us with new resources, including spades, forks and ropes. This had led to endless imaginitive play, making mud pies, chocolate soup and even a Gruffalo crumble.
Outdoor learning
April 2025
1st April
This week we celebrated Easter by going on an Easter egg hunt around the outdoor learning area. We were excited to find a surprise inside the eggs! We practised our fine motor skills by using different coloured wool to thread and decorate eggs.
22nd April
Ladybirds and Bumblebees celebrated Earth Day by looking after our environment. They went on a litter pick around the village to make sure Stoke Gabriel is clean and tidy. Back at the field the children used their hands to make a painting of the world. They made nature crowns by collecting dandelions, daisies and other natural items to decorate their crowns.
29th April
Today we picked lots of dandelions and used them as paint brushes to paint pictures. The children have also been loving hunting for bugs and found lots of worms, woodlice and even a centipede under the logs. We really enjoyed blowing bubbles and chasing them as they blew across the field.
"I liked finding all those woodlice"
"We used some cereal and pipe cleaners to make bird feeders"
"I found a ginormous, fat centipede"
"I like finding bugs"
"We found sticks, made a den and sat in it"
