Learning Outside the Classroom.
At Gravel Hill , we are very fortunate to have extensive grounds that support a great deal of wildlife ,
but also provide us ample opportunities to promote Learning Outside the Classroom.
The following examples demonstrate the range of opportunities that the children are given and the
impact that this has on their learning experiences:
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Every class has a yearly trip , linked with their curriculum. This is partly funded by FOGH to
ensure that the cost is reasonable for all families.
The class trips in 2011-2012 were:
Foundation Stage -Old MacDonald’s Farm
Y1- Broadstairs for a Victorian Seaside experience
Y2 and Y4 -Horton Kirby Environmental Centre for river dipping and mini-beast hunts
Y3-Museum of Kent Life , including a Roman workshop
Y5-Lullingstone Country Park for an environmental workshop
Y6-Treejumpers for an Outdoor Education experience, including the Leap of Faith
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Every two Years Y5 and Y6 have a School Journey to Little Canada in the Isle of
Wight, children whose parents cannot afford the cost stay at school for a “Home
School Journey”
Classes visit the local public library regularly, which includes author visits.
Every class visits Frankie and Benny’s restaurant to learn how a restaurant operates,
including making and eating pizzas.
Through Family SEAL , families have the opportunity to picnic in the grounds of Hall
Place.
School Council have regular visits to the Civic Offices for “Children’s Parliament”
As part of Y6’s Enterprise Week , the class visited the local Hobby Craft to learn
about financing a craft project.
Links with local secondary schools provide opportunities for the children to
experience Secondary School, especially as Gravel Hill is a small school in comparison
to the local secondary schools. These links include:
Watching drama productions such as Grease
Sporting opportunities
Art workshops
Modern Foreign Language workshops.
Within walking distance there are several large open areas, these include the historic
Hall Place, Danson Park and local parks. These are used regularly for educational
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visits, including visits to exhibitions such as the Anne Frank Exhibition,opportunities
for orienteering and research into playground equipment as part of a DT project.
As Bexleyheath is within easy walking distance, classes make regular trips for such
opportunities as visiting the war memorial.
In the past the school has linked with the Marriott Hotel, so that they can
understand the various roles of Hotel Staff.
Upper KS2 have the opportunity to take part in the Junior Citizens trip, where the
learn about Rail and Road Safety, basic 1st aid, stranger danger and personal safety.
Children regularly represent the school in sporting competitions, at local primary
schools, sports clubs and secondary schools. This has included trips to Crystal Palace
athletics stadium where the children have represented Bexley in hockey.
The Singing Club have taken part in the Young Voices Concert at the O2.
The whole school walks up-to Christchurch in Bexleyheath for the Christingle service.
Y3 are trained in road safety , learning to cross the road correctly and safely.
Y5 and Y6 have the opportunity to take part in Cycling Proficiency every year.
Or JRSOs (Junior Road safety Officers), train children how to ride their Scotters
safely.
Making good use of our grounds:
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Our tidy team , regularly litter pick and tidy up the school grounds.
Our Transformers work with staff improving the grounds , which includes
erecting a shed for gardening equipment , painting the stage blocks in the hall,
sanding down and painting wooden furniture in the Wild Life area.
During Birdwatch Week , classes spend time observing birds, making birdfeeders
and bird cakes.
Art opportunities , including the study of Andy Goldsworthy as an environmental artist ,
have resulted in fantastic collaborative work.
During Science lesson staff use the outdoor environment to enrich topics such as
shadows ,the power of the wind and mini beasts
Family Golden Time has included planting Hanging baskets around the school ,making
recycled paper ,creating compost bins and bird feeders.
During Maths Week, Y1 and Y2 went on a mathematical orienteering challenge around
the School Grounds.
Teachers make full use of the grounds within their curriculum, so that Learning outside
the classroom is integral to the curriculum.