Outdoor Learning At The Levels School
The outdoor learning curriculum encompasses skills and knowledge taught in other subjects but embeds them through practical applications outside the classroom. This hands-on approach at The Levels School enables student to practice skills and over learn key ideas so that they can apply them in a different setting.
Each lesson has a key theme and focus which is season dependent and learning is centred on the student. Emphasis is put on trial and error, and it doesn’t matter if the task doesn’t go as planned as long as it is done safely and reflection occurs in order to improve the method and/or outcome on the next attempt. The key aims are enjoyment, student-led learning, and application of knowledge. Outdoor learning should be seen as a positive experience in every weather, as we will be dressed appropriately to enjoy this alternative way of learning.
Prep
In Prep, we offer a certified Forest School program using fully qualified Forest School providers. Please see the link at the bottom of the page for more information.
Key Stage Three
Years 7 continue to access the Forest School curriculum delivered by our Forest School providers.
Year 8 and 9 will are taught an Outdoor Learning curriculum lead by staff at The Levels School. The activities build on the skills and experiences gained from the Forest School program. The curriculum follows the seasons; learning about seasonal changes and embracing the different weather conditions so that students learn to enjoy the outside all year round. Activities include:
Outdoor cooking
Pumpkin carving
Wildlife home building (hedgehog houses, bug hotels, bird boxes)
Wreath making and Christmas decorations
Treasure hunts
Outdoor obstacle courses
Nature walks
Bird feeders
Natural sculptures
Texture trails
Nature code breaking
External Links
| Planet Earth II | Blue Planet II |
| Woodland Trust | RSPB |
| Somerset Wildlife | Forestry England |
| Quantock Hills | Exmoor Park |
| National Trust | Countryfile |
| Forest School |
Holiday Activities
If you're looking to support your child's outdoor learning at home, try the following activities:
Create nature crafts, for example mud creatures and leaf flowers.
Go for a walk in a natural place, for example the Quantock Hills or Exmoor National Park.
Spot insects, animals and plants on your walks. You could play I Spy, or use an identification tool to find out which tree is which.
Have bonfires/barbeques safely at home and engage your children in the process.
Cook using scavenged foods, for example blackberries. You could make a lovely blackberry and apple pie!
Listen to bird songs and try to identify the bird from the song. You can download the BirdNET app or use YouTube to help with identification.
Watch relevant documentaries or TV shows, such as Countryfile, Bear Grylls and anything narrated by David Attenborough.
