OUTDOOR LEARNING
Clifton High School believes the outdoor classroom is integral to complementing conventional classroom skills. We incorporate daily learning outside with a holistic approach, in a natural space.
Our safe and carefully monitored on-site facilities include:
- An outdoor climbing frame
- Green spaces
- EYFS garden
- Fire pit
- Mud kitchen
By playing outside, children learn to connect with nature and immerse themselves in imaginative play. It sparks curiosity and develops a lifelong love of learning through the senses, which has been linked to improved emotional wellbeing. At Clifton High School, we observe our Hive children developing a sense of belonging when they have the space and freedom to learn in nature.
THE HIVE ADVENTURE PROGRAMME
Our bespoke Adventure Programme broadens an appreciation of the natural world for pupils to embrace challenges in rural settings that develop environmental awareness, survival skills, self-confidence, resilience and teamwork.
We see that by introducing our young learners to the world of adventure from an early age, they begin to grow in individual creativity, which is translated back to the traditional classroom setting. They begin to discover a sense of responsibility that translates to empathy and understand:
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Ecosystems
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Wildlife
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Plants
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Interconnections between living organisms
To offer a bespoke experience, we affiliate with Forestry England, Belmont Estate and Farmlink so children participate in a well-curated outdoor education experience. The Hive children attend weekly, timetabled lessons that include:
- The Forest School Programme, which is progressive and led by teachers who engage children in off-site outdoor activities. We have strong links to Forestry England and Belmont Estate, both of which offer Clifton High School pupils strong connections to the natural world.
- Farm visits expose children to animal and crop farming. Belmont Estate hosts our children on trips that help them delve into educational programs centred around rewilding, sustainability, conservation and the wonders of nature. Embracing sustainability as a core principle, our Adventure Programme aims to minimise transport, eliminate packaging and reduce paper waste, ensuring a responsible and impactful approach to learning.
