At Southbourne Junior School, we believe that every child should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, which is why we make time outdoors a key priority across the curriculum. Often the outdoors provides some of the most memorable learning moments where children experience not only the world around them but themselves.

We are fortunate to have a number of areas in our school grounds where outdoor learning can take place including a large field, playgrounds, meadow, pond and all weather track. Most recently, we have developed the year 3 outdoor area and a sensory garden next to The Cabin where our learning mentor is based. A distinctive feature of our school is The Tipi, this is where our pupils experience a ‘forest school approach’ to learning. We are unique in that all of our teachers are trained in the principles of forest school, this means that outdoor experiences are accessible to all children throughout their time with us- come rain or shine, we do not have to stick to a set afternoon to make the most of nature!

The outdoors is woven into our curriculum, providing opportunities for pupils to develop personal and social skills, communication and problem solving as well as English, Maths and other subject areas. In addition to the learning which takes place in our immediate school grounds, pupils at Southbourne Juniors get to participate in many adventures further afield where we take advantage of the nature that surrounds us on the South Coast. Through a range of school trips, including kayaking and sailing in year 5 at CYE Cobnor and the year 6 Isle of Wight residential, we create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime!

'We have done lots of tipi sessions, which I have enjoyed because I was able to build my skills with cooking.'

Year 6 pupil