At St Mary Bourne Primary School, we believe some of the most valuable learning happens when children step outside, get stuck in, work together and explore the world around them. Outdoor Explore is a blended learning session led by school staff, giving children opportunities to learn through practical, creative and collaborative experiences. Outdoor Explore is about much more than being outside. It helps children develop skills, confidence, independence and problem-solving abilities through activities combining art, craft, bushcraft, science, design technology and outdoor learning.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The outdoor environment provides a rich and varied learning space. Children are encouraged to observe closely, ask questions, experiment with materials and consider how they can use what they find.

Activities vary from creating nature-inspired artwork and practical crafts to learning bushcraft skills, investigating the natural environment and designing and constructing dens. Activities are carefully planned to be accessible and engaging while encouraging children to challenge themselves. Children learn through doing: handling materials, using tools safely, testing ideas, making decisions and learning from things that do not go to plan. This hands-on approach makes learning purposeful and enjoyable.

Bringing Science to Life

Outdoor Explore extends our Science curriculum through first-hand experiences. The outdoor environment becomes a living classroom where children can observe, investigate and ask questions about the world around them. Children may observe seasonal changes, investigate habitats, identify plants and animals, explore materials and consider the needs of living things. A particularly valuable element is scientific longitudinal study. Children return to the same areas or subjects over time, recording observations and identifying patterns and changes. They might track plant growth, monitor wildlife or record changes in weather and environmental conditions. These studies develop important scientific skills including observing, recording, measuring, comparing, classifying and drawing conclusions from evidence. They also show children that scientific investigation can require patience, repeated observation and evidence gathered over time.

Our School Values in Action

Our four school values — Teamwork, Respect, Enthusiasm and Excellence — are woven throughout every Outdoor Explore session.

Teamwork

Many activities require children to cooperate, share ideas, take on different roles and support one another. Den building is a particularly effective example: children must discuss ideas, use available materials, solve practical problems and work together to create a structure. Through these experiences, children develop communication, collaboration and an understanding that everyone's contribution matters.

Respect

Children learn to respect one another, adults, equipment and the environment. They use tools and materials responsibly, follow safety instructions and care for the outdoor spaces they use.

They also learn to value different ideas and approaches, recognising that there is not always one correct way to solve a problem. Observing plants, animals and habitats helps develop appreciation for the natural world and our responsibility to care for it.

Enthusiasm

Outdoor Explore encourages children to be curious, enthusiastic and willing to have a go. They may learn a new bushcraft technique, experiment with natural materials or investigate something they have discovered.

Questions and mistakes are welcomed as part of learning. Children are encouraged to wonder, investigate, adapt their ideas, persevere and celebrate their progress.

Excellence

Excellence means taking pride in what we do, developing skills and considering how our work could improve. Children learn to persevere when something is challenging and reflect on what they have achieved.

In scientific enquiry, this includes making careful observations, recording information accurately and considering what findings tell us. Across all activities, the emphasis is on effort, improvement, accuracy, perseverance and pride in the process, rather than simply producing a perfect finished product.

A Variety of Experiences

Outdoor Explore combines art and craft, Science, bushcraft and design technology, with activities adapted to different ages and abilities.

• Art and craft develop observation, imagination and creativity using natural materials to explore colour, texture, shape and pattern.
• Bushcraft develops practical skills, confidence, independence and an understanding of how to work safely and responsibly outdoors.
• Science provides opportunities to investigate habitats, living things and environmental changes while developing scientific enquiry skills.
• Design technology comes to life through challenges such as den building, where children plan, build, test and adapt structures while exploring stability, purpose and design.

Building Confidence and Independence

Outdoor Explore gives children opportunities to step outside their comfort zones in a supportive environment. This might mean getting muddy, handling unfamiliar materials, using a new tool, leading a group, sharing an idea or persevering with a difficult task.Children learn that not knowing the answer immediately is part of learning, and that trying, adapting and asking for help are important skills. Over time, we hope children become increasingly independent in making decisions, solving problems, carrying out investigations and taking ownership of their learning.

Making Memories Through Learning

Outdoor Explore creates memorable experiences that children can carry with them beyond the session. Building with friends, discovering a new skill, creating something imaginative or investigating the natural world helps children connect different areas of learning while developing practical skills. Most importantly, Outdoor Explore gives children the opportunity to learn by doing, learn together and learn through exploration. Through every activity, we aim to nurture confident, curious and resilient learners who demonstrate our values of Teamwork, Respect, Enthusiasm and Excellence. Whether creating, constructing, investigating, experimenting or exploring, Outdoor Explore gives children the freedom to discover what they can achieve when they work together, embrace a challenge and explore the world around them.