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Learning Outside The Classroom

The LOtC Gold Mark
In May 2018 Whaddon School was awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Mark. We were awarded this after being assessed by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
 
According to the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom:
LOtC Mark (Gold) recognises exemplary LOtC provision in schools and indicates that a school is a leader in ensuring that all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom.
 
Read more by clicking the document below. 
 
Why LoTC?
A survey of 2,000 parents in United Kingdom finds that nearly three quarters of children are spending less than one hour outside every day.

'Active play is the natural and primary way that children learn. It is essential to their healthy growth and progress, particularly during periods of rapid brain development.'                              
Sir Ken Robinson

There is much research showing that we spend too little time in the natural world and it has had grave effects on our mental and physical health. Study after study suggests that spending time outside reduces stress for children and adults.

LoTC Links
 Forest School
 
At Whaddon we have a well established Forest School run by our fantastic Forest School leader, Mr Mud. All Hedgehogs and Squirrels children take part in a Forest School session once a week. 
 
Our forest school sessions focus on: team building, problem solving, safe handling of tools, communication skills, camp fire safety, fine and gross motor skills development and having lots and lots of fun!
LOtC News
September 2023: Tie Dye and Cluckingham Palace!
 
The children in Squirrels and Hedgehog Class have helped care for our two chickens Jemima and Becky, by moving their home 'Cluckingham Palace', ensuring they have more fresh grass to scratch in and so that the grass has chance to grow back.
 
The Squirrels used the abundance of our juicy blackberries to create a set of naturally dyed tie-dye bunting- it looks great!
 
First, they collected the berries from the hedgerows (at all times being aware of nettles and thorns). Then, they crushed them in water using large sticks.  After that, they placed triangles of white material with elastic bands tied into them into the dye. Finally, they hung the bunting to dry and were impressed with the effect the elastic bands made.
 
December 2023- Christmas crafts
 
The children practiced their sawing and safety skills when creating discs that would become tree decorations for sale at the Christmas Fayre.  The decorations were fun to make and very popular with parents!