Learning outside the classroom has taught us that curriculum is not just what is planned on paper, but what is lived day to day. When learning is rooted in place, experience, and relationship, it becomes something children carry with them — into the playground, into conversations, and into how they understand the world.
Dr Lewis Barrett-Rodger
Deputy Headteacher, Kendall CE Primary School
We are very lucky to be surrounded by so many simple opportunities to extend children’s learning and staff always embrace, often actively seeking out, ‘adventures’ to build on our curriculum within our local learning area.
For us, learning outside the classroom epitomises the flexibility and spontaneity of our Early Years ethos and celebrates the joy of early childhood.
Zoё Staines
Headteacher, Bowerdean Nursery School
At White Ash Primary school, learning outside of the classroom means everything to us. There is not a day that goes by that children aren’t learning beyond the classroom. From canoeing, climbing, swimming, feeding animals and park trips to visits to the local library, church, play centres etc. Getting this award means a great deal for us, it is the recognition the pupils deserve for all of their hard work, enthusiasm and resilience that they show each day in the outdoors
Hannah Heyes
Teacher, White Ash School
The LOtC Mark experience provided valuable opportunities to extend and deepen the knowledge of how to support each child in our school holistically with learning outside of the classroom. It was an enriching and rewarding experience. The assessment process and in particular the support we received from CLOtC, provided a structured way to reflect on and demonstrate skills and knowledge gained beyond the classroom environment. Through the process we had the opportunity to consolidate our experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of how skills develop throughout the curriculum. Not only did CLOtC support us throughout, their support made it so much easier to navigate the process. As a school we think the award was an excellent way to bring together all that we do as a school for learning outside of the classroom and we are honoured to receive such a coveted award. Thank you so much!
Sabah Malik
Deputy Headteacher, Yeading Infant and Nursery School
We are over the moon here at Rowan Tree primary to receive our learning outside the classroom Gold award which acknowledges the tireless work staff do to ensure learning can be transferred to a range of circumstances and settings.
Working with the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom has enabled us to reflect on our practice and helped all staff to consider the value of learning every moment when accessing the wider community and making learning come to life with the support of visitors and trips. We strive for excellence in all we do and hope this Gold award shows that Rowan Tree primary offer the best opportunities for pupils in another area.
Rowan Tree Primary School
The LOtC Mark process, support guides and online portal proved very helpful. The progress tracker looked a bit daunting at first, but by using the guides it felt more manageable and gave excellent examples of what we should look to include as evidence. As a result, we now have strong evidence log in one place we can build on going forward.
Ryan Sallows
School Business Manager, Oriel High School
We believe that learning beyond the classroom enhances their mental health and well-being, the children learn better by seeing and experiencing things in real life. Being away from the classroom also helps children to regulate their behaviour and it enables them to engage in learning they otherwise wouldn’t be interested in. Our learning beyond the classroom (LOtC) also develops the children’s confidence and independence
Sherbrook Primary School
Learning Beyond the Classroom is an essential part of children’s educational experience. It helps to develop a knowledge and understanding of the world around them and of themselves, preparing our young people with positive attitudes and healthy habits for a successful future’
Ms Spillane
Principal, Drapers’ Maylands Primary School
