Outdoor learning at Colfe’s Junior School

At Colfe’s we believe learning outside of the classroom can have significant benefits for wellbeing, personal and social development. Our EYFS children experience a weekly Forest School session given by our Forest School Leader. The aim of these sessions is to provide children with opportunities to learn through exploring the environment and developing an awareness of the natural world, in a way that is both fun and meaningful.

In Year 3 to Year 6, outdoor experiences – from activity days to bushcraft weeks camping in tepees – are at the heart of the Colfe’s journey.

Our dedicated Outdoor Education Department took Year 4 pupils to the Grangewaters Activity centre in Essex this September. The centre has over 70 acres of natural woodland, open grasslands and two lakes. Pupils’ resilience and teambuilding skills were put to the test with a series of challenges including climbing, archery and rowing.

Major Cherry, Director of Outdoor Education, said, “Year 4 really took to the activities at Grangewaters showing great courage as they abseiled and climbed, sailed and canoed. They listened carefully to instructions and attempted all activities with a smile. A really characterful group that were a pleasure to work with.”

Pupil Saketh said, “The best time for me was abseiling, at first I was scared but later I went twice and it felt like floating, it was brilliant.”