Suffolk students thrive after spending a week learning useful skills and developing their creativity as their school turned to the outdoor curriculum.
A total of 130 children from Helmingham Primary School and Henley Primary School took part in activities they would not usually get to do in school, such as learning to tie knots to build effective shelters, using new techniques to print and sculpt with clay, as well as learning about insects in the pond.
Stephanie Hawes, the headmaster of Helmingham Primary School, said: "The outdoor learning week has been a huge success.
"Students have been making fires in fire pits and using them to cook snacks, including making their own bread and scones, melted chocolate bananas, pizza pockets, toast and, of course, toasting marshmallows.
"It has been exciting to see the children building stronger relationships with each other.
"They have been flexible in their thinking and adaptive when solving problems. They have lifted their own expectations of themselves and been surprised at what they are capable of achieving.
"The staff have worked incredibly hard at both the Henley and Helmingham sites and have been enthused by the outdoor learning.
"They have encouraged the children's creativity, and it has been a real pleasure to see the whole staff team so excited about developing the children's learning in the outdoor environment."
The headmaster added that she is "so proud" of the way schools’ teams worked together to make this a real success for the children and is excited to further develop their curriculum.
The school staff said they have noticed children thrive, relax into their learning, and are more open and willing to share with others.
From September, pupils will have weekly opportunities for outdoor classes, as the staff is aiming to provide a flexible approach to teaching and learning.
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