Outdoor Learning sessions are well under way here at Midfield Primary School in all of the Key Stages.  Over the course of the year we will have a term of forest school. Whilst we try to incorporate outdoor learning across all subjects including Maths, Literacy, Science, History, Geography and RE (Environment). During planning for all subjects, teachers actively look for opportunities to bring the learning outside - using creative techniques to bring the subject to life using the opportunity that the great outdoors provides. We are very lucky in that we have a wide range of different outdoor environments that we can use so children can have the most appropriate and memorable experiences possible.

These include:

• Large grounds backed by Scadbury Park wood
• Four developed Forest School areas
• Celtic hut and learning area
• A decked wildlife pond (in development)
• Large outdoor grassed area including sports pitches and athletic areas
• Two large playgrounds
• An Edible Eco Garden with an outdoor classroom, which is being developed to include cooking area and working stations
• Outdoor Music Garden
• Three separate Trim trail/Adventure/Climbing play areas
• Swimming Pool 

What is Forest School? 
Forest School is an opportunity for children to experience and explore their environment. Children are encouraged to develop their independence, improve their decision making skills, and raise their self-esteem through small achievable tasks and new learning opportunities.
Forest School at Midfield takes place in a designated area of the School grounds. Forest School sessions are run by qualified Forest School Leaders.

Forest School sessions
During a Forest School session the children are outside for just over an hour each week. When arriving at the designated site the children will sit down at ‘base camp’. Here the activities for the session will be explained and the children will be able to choose their own activities. Children may enjoy such experiences as:
·         Hunting for minibeasts
·         Playing hide and seek
·         Making mud pies
·         Building dens
·         Making bug hotels