Over the past few months, we’ve been delighted to award a number of schools the LOtC Mark demonstrating their passion and commitment to offering students a wide range of learning beyond the classroom (LOtC) experiences that are well planned, meaningful and have impact.
Drapers’ Maylands Primary School in Romford, Greater London, are one of the schools that have recently been awarded a Gold LOtC Mark. Laura Phillips explains more about what working towards, and acheiving, the LOtC Mark has meant for their school…
At Drapers’ Maylands Primary we are so proud to achieve the accredited Gold LOtC Mark Award for learning outside the classroom.
All staff work extremely hard and are passionate about taking children’s learning beyond the classroom. We believe that these enrichment experiences are invaluable to our children and an essential part of their learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.
The outdoor learning areas of the school are as valued as the indoor environment, which includes a Technology Zone, a Design and Technology classroom, an Enchanted Wood library, and two themed breakout rooms. Outside we have a Science Garden, Pond and Orchard, Quiet Garden, Outdoor Classroom and an expanse of field and open areas. We have been developing the grounds constantly since the new school building opened in September 2017.
Each term, a calendar of assemblies and events ensures that we are developing global citizens, enriching learning experiences through skill-based activities and exploring wider opportunities with partnerships. As a UNICEF Rights Respecting School, learners are encouraged to take part in fund-raising activities and to learn about their rights and responsibilities as global citizens.
All year groups attend educational visits, have visitor experiences in school, work with our Artist in Residence, take part in Performing Arts and have the opportunity to learn to play musical instruments.
"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."
We would like to thank Kim Hudson, CLOtC Awards and CPD Manager, for her amazing training, support and patience, when helping us to gather evidence and improve our practice over the last few years!
"Perhaps as direct result of all the many challenges schools are now facing, more and more schools seems to be turning to the power of LOtC to support their teaching and learning. After all, LOtC is a simple, well-evidenced, and universally available strategy for unlocking a very wide range of positive outcomes for staff and students, especially for their wellbeing and learning. Drapers' Maylands Primary School have truly embraced LOtC across their school and are optimising opportunities to take learning into their school ground and beyond, actively choosing where learning can happen best on a daily basis, and in doing so offering engaging, memorable, and relevant learning experiences that help build invaluable skills for the future. Fantastic achievement to the whole school team, we look forward to hearing where your LOtC takes you next!"
