Google Services
Search
Search
Translate
Translate
Outdoor learning at Balladen is seen as an essential part of our broad and balanced curriculum. We are extremely fortunate to have extensive, superb school grounds, which incorporate a small woodland; a garden allotment, including polytunnels, raised beds and picnic tables; a pond; football fields; trim trail and playgrounds. We use these facilities each and every day, come rain or shine… and we love it!
Having our own minibus means that we can take every opportunity to explore the world out of doors, beyond the classroom, so that our pupils can experience at first hand the local area and the natural environment. The children come back from their trips out of school full of enthusiasm, eager to tell their stories of their adventures, and with a thirst to further engage with the natural world.
The activities have had a huge impact in many areas of our pupils’ learning and personal development including:
Being motivational, inspirational and aspirational.
Actively engaging pupils in ‘doing’, ‘seeing’ and ‘feeling’.
Working as part of a team and developing positive relationships.
Providing challenge and problem solving.
Appreciating nature and its incredible beauty, resourcefulness and fragility.
Experiencing awe and wonder.
Encouraging physical fitness; a love of physical activity and the overwhelming sense of freedom that it offers.
Promoting a sense of emotional health and well-being.
Taking managed risks to develop resilience, endurance and confidence.
We have a supply of wellingtons, waterproofs and warm gloves in school, but children are encouraged to come to ‘Outdoor Fun Fridays’ in warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. It is also a good idea to pack a spare set of clothes to change into once back in school – we do love mud and we are not afraid of it! We want our children to safely experience nature and enjoy the elements with confidence.