Teaching and learning is crucial to the success of a primary school and as part of this outdoor learning can help pupils to see their learning in new and exciting ways, while also increasing fitness levels and engagement. We offer a range of case studies and best practice.

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Animal therapy: Down on the school farm

From lambs to donkeys to pigs, the animals at York House School are helping pupils to adopt and model positive behaviour. Head Jon Gray explains why all schools should consider ‘animal therapy’

Covid-19: Ideas for taking learning outside this autumn

During the pandemic, many schools have become more adept at making the most of their outside spaces. How can we ensure that teaching outdoors continues to feature in our planning? Suzanne O’Connell gets some tips from headteacher Emma Barker and the charity Learning through Landscapes

Earth Day 2021: Inspiring young global citizens

This year’s Earth Day on April 22 offers primary schools the chance to engage pupils in issues relating to climate change and environmental protection. Harriet Marshall and Matthew Smitheman offer some ideas

Climate action in schools: Ideas to reduce your carbon impact

Reducing your school’s carbon emissions is not as difficult as it may seem. Alex Green from the Let’s Go Zero campaign outlines some inspiring and money-saving ideas to get your school started

Introducing rough and tumble play into Reception

Tug of war, tangling, tickling, leapfrog – rough and tumble play is a normal feature of childhood and part of child development – and yet there are understandable reservations about introducing it as part of Reception provision. Teacher Rachna Joshi and EYFS lead Carla Jones advise

Bringing exercise into primary school lessons

Bringing more physical activity into lessons and teaching can help us to get children back on track this year, says year 4 teacher Niamh Hunter

PE and sports: The power of PESSPA

The PESSPA approach can have a big impact on students’ mental and physical health, attendance, attainment and behaviour – especially for those with SEND. Nasen Teacher of the Year Jon White discusses using school sport and physical activity to empower students

Back to School Guide: Teaching & Learning

In this 12-page guide, we consider what teaching and learning should look like in schools from this September when all pupils are due to return following the Covid-19 lockdown...

Teaching climate change

EduCCate Global and a group of Teaching Schools in Derbyshire are supporting teachers to train in climate change education in order to equip children to handle an uncertain future on a warming planet. Headteacher Fiona Cowan explains more about the project and her school’s climate change curriculum

Embracing the benefits and fun of forest schools

Creating forest school environments and opportunities for primary pupils of all ages can pay dividends. Emma Lee-Potter looks at some recent research and speaks to one school that has embraced the outdoors...

An inspiring range of STEAM activity ideas

Science, art, technology and computing education is high on the agenda at St Mary Magdalen’s Primary as can be seen from their work each year to mark British Science Week. Gary McNab explains

Mission Mondays, RESPECT and character education

The RESPECT curriculum at three Manchester primary schools has seven tenets of character education at its heart and is brought to life for pupils by the exciting Mission Mondays. Sophie Murfin explains all...

Theatre-inspired ideas to boost creative skills

How can we integrate creativity into the primary classroom? Drawing on the approaches of the National Theatre’s Let’s Play programme, Lorna McGinty offers some ideas and inspiration

School trip tips: Effective planning and organising

Gill Harvey offers her advice on planning and running educational and safe school trips, including tips for schools that decide to work with a tour operator or other provider

Give them a challenge outside!

With the summer here, it’s a good time to take the children outdoors. Suzanne O’Connell summarises what the Education Endowment Foundation has to say about the benefits of outdoor adventure learning

Some playground game ideas

Helping children to engage with playground games has clear benefits for their enjoyment of school life and their education, says Jenny Mosley. She offers some ideas and advice

Ideas to make outdoor learning work for your school

Expert Alex Alves offers some practical strategies and ideas to incorporate outdoor learning into primary school life despite time, locational and budget restrictions – and particularly in urban areas

Moving primary school lessons into the museum

A King’s College research project has investigated the learning, social and cultural outcomes when significant parts of primary education take place in museums and galleries. Headteacher Russell Dwyer, who took part in the research, explains

Supporting the teaching of EAL through play

Expert Sam Flatman offers us four ways to support the teaching of English as an additional language through play

Outdoor learning: Outside and outstanding

In the drive for outcomes, the contribution that outdoor learning can make is sometimes neglected. Suzanne O’Connell talks to headteacher Ruth Dean about how it’s become a foundation of their school

Tips for running effective residential trips

Lindsey Simpson offers some tips on how to organise and structure effective residential trips for your pupils

Case study: Sustainable schools

The Ashden Sustainable Schools Awards celebrate schools that pave the way in saving energy and inspiring others. Alex Green looks at two recent primary school winners and explains more about Ashden’s work and awards

Running forest learning

Pupils at Fairfield Preparatory School are taking their learning outside thanks to an initiative that is revolutionising the school day. Forest school leader Alex Carter explains

A little perspective

The outdoor experiences on offer at Millbank Academy are a vital part of life at this inner city school. Principal Alyson Russen discusses why their residential visits are so important and how they go about organising them

Rewild your pupils!

Outdoor education expert Chris Hupp explores the importance of rewilding students and bringing outdoor learning into the daily life of a school

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