Learning Beyond the Classroom: Outdoor Learning at Silsden Primary School
At Silsden Primary School, we believe that some of the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom walls. Outdoor Learning provides children with exciting opportunities to explore, discover, create, and develop important life skills while enjoying the natural world around them.
Our Outdoor Learning lessons are led by Miss Firth, a Level 3 qualified Forest School practitioner. Miss Firth has extensive experience working in schools, delivering Forest School, Outdoor Learning, and PE programmes that inspire children to learn through hands-on experiences. She is extremely passionate about her work and the outdoors, and loves to see students sharing the enjoyment.
All classes take part in a timetabled Outdoor Learning lesson on a fortnightly basis. Our programme is built around four key skill areas: Knots and Ropes, Fire, Shelter Building, and Woodcraft and Tools. Alongside our school vision of “All children are adventurous and self-assured in the great outdoors,” we believe these are essential life skills that children will develop during their time at Silsden Primary School and carry with them into the future.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor Learning allows children to learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Whether they are building shelters, identifying plants and wildlife, measuring natural materials in maths, or creating nature-inspired artwork, children develop confidence, curiosity, resilience, and teamwork.
Throughout the year, children participate in a wide range of outdoor activities linked to both the curriculum and personal development. Learning outdoors can improve wellbeing, increase engagement, and help children retain knowledge by making learning memorable, purposeful, and enjoyable.
Awards and Recognition
We are proud to provide high-quality Outdoor Learning experiences, and our commitment has been recognised through a number of awards and achievements, including:
· Woodland Trust Green Tree school Awards – Bronze, Silver and Gold
· RHS School Gardening Awards – Levels 1–5
· Bees’ Needs Champions Award Winners 2026
These awards reflect our dedication to environmental education and creating meaningful opportunities for children to connect with nature.
Skills We Develop
Outdoor Learning supports the development of many important skills, which closely link to our Silsden 7 values.
Challenge- Children are encouraged to try new things, take managed risks, and celebrate their achievements.
Resilience- Outdoor challenges help children develop perseverance and problem-solving skills when things do not go as planned. Children learn to adapt their strategies, take appropriate risks, and learn from setbacks.
Communication- Many activities require children to work collaboratively, share ideas, listen to others, and support one another.
Independence- Children learn to make decisions, manage equipment responsibly, and take ownership of their learning.
Responsibility- By spending time in nature, children develop a deeper understanding of the environment and the importance of caring for the world around them.
Imagination- Children use natural materials and outdoor spaces creatively to develop ideas, stories, role-play opportunities, and innovative solutions to problems.
Enjoyment- Children engage enthusiastically in outdoor experiences, showing curiosity, confidence, and a genuine pleasure in exploring and learning within the natural environment.
A Message to Parents
We are proud to provide opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive outdoors. Outdoor Learning helps children develop not only academic knowledge but also the confidence, resilience, and life skills that will support them throughout their education and beyond.
Outdoor Learning is not separate from classroom learning—it enhances it.
We look forward to sharing photographs, achievements, and exciting updates from our outdoor adventures throughout the year. Thank you for your continued support in helping us inspire a lifelong love of learning beyond the classroom.
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only different opportunities for learning.”
