Jo says, “As an experienced teacher, and strategic member of senior management, I learned firsthand about the demands and expectations of educational providers to raise standards for our children. We are often busy analysing data and providing evidence on school performance so it is easy for us to miss the bigger picture. What if we were to think outside the box?”.
Teach Outdoors Schools
Jo Clanfield | Founder of Teach Outdoors
Taking the inside outside and creating outdoor experiences can have huge benefits for children’s outcomes, both socially and emotionally as well as across the formal curriculum. With this in mind, Jo’s aim for Teach Outdoors is to develop staff skills in making the most of existing outdoor areas by transporting the traditional indoor curriculum out into the fresh air; challenging current mindsets within school about how children are taught; and encouraging educators to approach teaching and learning in a different way.
All children benefit from being immersed in firsthand learning experiences. The outdoor environment can enable children to access learning in an interactive, hands-on and fun way. The benefits are well known and documented. Some may improve their confidence levels and self esteem by achieving their goals and aspirations for the first time. For some it is a vital start to make a positive contribution, feel valued and ultimately make progress. This can be especially important for children who find the classroom a challenging and restricting place to learn. For some it provides that ‘aha!’ moment, clarifying understanding of an idea or concept or supporting their work across the curriculum.
“Inventive lessons capture pupils’ interests and foster curiosity. The Year 6 class thoroughly enjoyed a lesson in the outdoor classroom where they were told they were in a fantasy land…
…lessons such as this give experiences to relate to when writing imaginatively.
Lessons in the outdoor classroom provide further opportunities for children to learn how to keep safe.”
In a recent Ofsted inspection where the school was graded Outstanding the inspectors recognised the impact of outdoor teaching after observing several Teach Outdoors sessions.
Outdoor Learning Packages
Teach Outdoors provides a range of outdoor learning packages for schools ranging from a one-day introductory session to an 18 month, in-depth training and support package, covering topics such as:
- Identifying a school’s individual focus for outdoor learning
- Discussing access to school grounds and other outdoor areas
- Risk benefit assessments
- Curriculum support
- Staff training
- Policies and procedures.
The cost to schools depends not only on which level of training is required, but also on a school’s individual needs. Jo usually works on her own but has created a network of professionals to support her activities when required.
“Our school is buzzing with ideas, enthusiasm and general excitement for outdoor learning. As a headteacher, I can’t wait to see the impact that the training has on the practice of my staff and the overall well being and learning experiences of our pupils.”
