At Beckers Green, we are so incredibly lucky to have the copse, a woodland area, at the back of the playground. Our curriculum, and learning opportunities are designed to use this unique space as much as possible, for example, younger children in EYFS have a weekly outdoor learning slot, where they explore the copse and the outdoor environment for an afternoon a week, in KS1, children take their geography and science lessons outside as well as having time to continue their love in the copse. In KS2, themed days will be held outside, linked to topics, for example the Stone Age.

We teach our children to have respect for the copse, learning about the importance of looking after the ecosystem, protecting wildlife and plants in this area. If you creep in quietly, you might be lucky enough to spot birds, squirrels and even a muntjac deer!

Children learn to use tools safely, such as potato peelers for whittling, flint and steels for starting camp fires and learn to tie knots for building dens - for themselves and fairies! They know how to keep themselves and others safe and why we need to do this. Building upon their skills each time they're outside, the children are rewarded intrinsically by having learnt new skills, gained growing confidence and self esteem - but also get to toast marshmallows and cook toffee apples on their own campfire! The perfect reward!

Take a look at some of the fun we have got up to so far this year:

 

This page is updated regularly, so be sure to check back soon for more photos of our outdoor adventures!