Outdoor Learning

We provide a curriculum that stimulates and excites our pupils, and that promotes independence and creativity. We believe this is vital for our youngest children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, but also through the whole primary phase – and we know that Hackney has a wonderful range of rich and varied opportunities on offer!

As well as maximising the use of facilities on the school site, including a bespoke roof terrace that our nursery and reception children use on a daily basis, pupils also take part in regular excursions to explore their local environment and take their learning further afield.

Children use state-of-the-art sports facilities at The Petchey Academy throughout the year, access a local ball court for play and sport lessons and undertake regular outdoor-based school trips and visits every term. We are also committed to following a forest schools’ approach: every week we visit Butterfield Green and Hackney Downs during our Outdoor Adventures sessions, where children from all year groups immerse themselves in nature and direct their own learning.

We have a dedicated plan to promote outdoor learning, which we regularly review and adapt to ensure the best provision for our children. We regularly work with and visit The Garden Classroom, and run outdoor learning workshops for families to continue the fun and learning at home.

Outdoor Learning

 Watch the video of one of our trips to a farm in Kent: