We place a high value on outdoor experiences as part of our broad and balanced curriculum at SVSJ. We strongly believe that every child should be given the opportunity to explore the world beyond their classroom and as such, from the moment students join SVSJ and The Mill, our extensive school grounds become a natural extension of the classroom. Whether they are taking their first steps or mastering advanced concepts, students immerse themselves in outdoor activities.

Learning outside of the classroom involves the use of the school and its grounds, as well as exploring further afield at a variety of locations and venues through a range of educational visits and trips.

With a team of two certified Forest School Teachers, we also offer comprehensive Forest School sessions to all students within our dedicated woodland area, known as Lily's Wood. These sessions encompass a spectrum of activities, from orienteering with compasses to hands-on tasks like whittling, fostering an intimate connection with the natural environment.

We instil a sense of stewardship in our students by entrusting them with the care of our school grounds, including tending to individual class garden plots and overseeing the well-being of our resident chickens and ducks. This emphasis on environmental responsibility underscores our commitment to preserving our planet's resources.

Residential trips in years 4 and 6 provide invaluable opportunities for students to expand their horizons and cultivate resilience through novel experiences, such as navigating their first overnight stay away from home or engaging in water sports like kayaking. These excursions also serve to strengthen the bonds within our school community, fostering a sense of unity and shared adventure.

Embracing outdoor learning not only fosters essential skills such as risk assessment and teamwork but also cultivates a deep appreciation for the wider world. We embrace the inevitable mud as a testament to our commitment to hands-on, immersive learning experiences!

 #adventurous #ethical

Our Beautiful School Grounds

Some Recent Experiences Learning Outside the Classroom

Some nature photos taken at school by Rocco (Y6) - our superstar pupil photographer!