Learning Outside the Classroom

Learning outside the classroom  (LOC) has long been recognised as having huge benefits for children and young people. It improves their health and education and has huge social benefits. In a recent survey carried out by the Countryside Alliance Foundation 85% of pupils were very keen to take part in outdoor activities through school. In a recent pupil survey LOC was considered to be in the top three favourite lessons. At HCS we have the kind of rural setting that offers a diverse range of habitats and flora and fauna and grounds that allow for the creative development of this part of the curriculum.

We have 130 acres of beautiful grounds that give our pupils outstanding opportunities and space to explore, space to play, to be creative and develop skills such as good communication, team work and leadership that are essential skills for life.

All of this helps our pupils to understand the world around them, builds self confidence and tests abilities in all kinds of ways, allows managed risks guided by a staff who are experienced in leading outdoor education within our grounds and beyond.

From 2-18 our pupils enjoy learning outside the classroom and take part in planned activities in every subject as part of the curriculum. They make regular use of curriculum trails, the school orchards and allotment boxes. They also have a newly built amphitheatre and outdoor classroom in magical settings and the use of netbooks and data logging equipment and a large number of special resources that they use outside.

In May 2012 we are hosting the first National LOC Conference, led by our own staff who are experts in this field of educational development.