Outdoor Pursuits Faculty
It is vital that young children are taught to understand and manage risk from an early age. In many ways, this type of teaching is just as important as core subjects such as Maths and English. (Sir Ranulph Fiennes)
It is regarded as axiomatic by teachers at Hall Grove that outdoor learning is essential to a complete education. The huge number of teachers involved in outdoor learning – be it in the school grounds, away on trips or down at Battisborough – means we all get to see the benefits for the children. Thus, everyone has witnessed magical moments of children overcoming challenges and enjoying the experience of teamwork, leadership, tenacity and being courageous.
The children are encouraged from Pre-prep to see outdoor learning as indivisible from classroom learning in importance to their lives. Pre prep visits the outdoor classroom once a week throughout the year and has regular sessions in other outdoor areas and become comfortable in this environment
From Middle School upwards, the focus for Outdoor Education becomes each Year Group’s week in Battisborough. Starting in September, each year group follows a programme aimed at ensuring they have the skills ‘to survive’ their week away. Their tests include walks on Dartmoor, coasteering, archery, shooting, fire lighting, canoeing, camping out overnight, visiting the farm, team building, river studies and many more activities to challenge the pupils in this environment.
Those in Upper School have the additional challenge of working towards achieving an award. The Hall Grove award scheme is a bespoke scheme tailored for Hall Grove that is similar to the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme that challenges the upper school pupils in the areas of Leadership, Service and Adventure. By the time a pupil has left in Year 8 they could potentially have achieved a Gold standard.
The ultimate aims of our outdoor learning programme are to foster a ‘can do’ spirit among our pupils and a sense of joy and wonder at the natural world – be it in Surrey, Devon or beyond!
The prizes in life don’t always go to the biggest, the best or the strongest. They go to those who persevere. (Bear Grylls)
Quotes from children after their sessions in the outdoors:
“I like finding aliens and stepping in muddy puddles.”- Darcey . Year 2
“I like making hotels for animals.” – Gregory. Year 2
“It is very adventurous.” – Ben . Year 2
“I like having lots of fun lessons out there.” – Cameron. Year 2
“I like making inventions out of twigs and moss.” - James. Year 2
“We can say what we are fantastic at with Fantasticat!” – Archie, Year 2
“I like working with partners.” – Nerys, Year 2