Virtually learning outside the classroom at Stroud School

Despite the lockdown, Stroud School pupils enjoyed what should have been Outdoor Classroom Day – virtually – which was held this week, Thursday 21 May. Outdoor Classroom Day is a global movement to inspire and celebrate outdoor play and learning, at home and at school. On Outdoor Classroom Day itself, which has two dates each year, teachers usually organise a special day outdoors for their class. In response to the coronavirus crisis, the movement looked a bit different.

As the coronavirus crisis continues, children around the world are spending more time indoors and in front of screens. Stroud pupils have been encouraged to be outside as much as possible, and have shown their love of outdoor learning by embracing their gardens, reading and creating outdoor, and getting involved in even more sport. All pupils have been involved, from Early Years to Year 8, creating Nature super heroes, to reading in outdoor places.

Stroud School has lots of reason to celebrate the great outdoors and before lockdown continuously encouraged learning outside the classroom by taking its lessons into the fabulous grounds.

The school looks forward to returning: maths classes will take place outdoors, Forest School sites will be busy with cooking on an open fire and wood carving will be linked to Design and Technology. The ponds, which were re-landscaped in spring 2019, will be used extensively and pupils will enjoy being back with the Stroud bee colony which is currently extremely busy.

Children also love spending time on the farm and enjoy nothing better than hanging out with the very friendly chickens. The children visit them every day and they love it!

Stroud’s commitment to ‘Learning Outside the Classroom’ activities is ultimately motivated by the belief that learning spaces which are inspirational and dynamic best develop curious minds. Prioritising holistic education sees Stroud pupils learn to respect the wider world, not least through plenty of exposure to nature.

Stroud is holding a Virtual Open Day on Wednesday 17 June 2020, 9am-12pm with socially-distant tours available where required. To book your place, call 01794 513231 or emailregistrar@stroud-kes.org.uk. Visitwww.stroud-kes.org.ukto find out more about life at Stroud.