Learning beyond the classroom is an important part of life at The Russell School. With our extensive grounds and rich local environment, we aim to give children regular opportunities to learn outdoors, be active, explore and make meaningful connections with the world around them.
Outdoor learning is used across the curriculum where it adds value, including in science, geography, PE, art, English and maths. Activities may take place within our school grounds, through local walks and fieldwork, on educational visits or as part of residential experiences.
Our grounds include green spaces, a natural pond, wildlife habitats and developing growing areas, which provide valuable opportunities for children to observe, investigate and care for the natural world. We are continuing to develop how these spaces are used so that outdoor learning becomes an increasingly strong part of our curriculum.
Our well-developed Environmental Area with natural pond, wildflower meadow and a variety of habitats for wildlife is a crucial part of our science curriculum, as is our fruit orchard.
We also make good use of our local area. Children may take part in local walks, fieldwork and community-based learning, while our Early Years provision includes Forest School-style experiences and opportunities to explore the natural environment.
Visits and enrichment activities are planned across the school to support and extend classroom learning. These may include local places of interest, museums, galleries, theatres, environmental centres and other venues linked to the curriculum. We also bring enrichment into school, including performances, workshops and visiting specialists.
Residential experiences form an important part of our wider offer for older pupils, with opportunities across Years 4–6 designed to build independence, teamwork and confidence as well as enrich learning.
Through outdoor learning, visits and experiences beyond the classroom, we aim to support children’s curiosity, physical development, wellbeing and understanding of the wider world.