The LOtC Gold Mark
In May 2018 Whaddon School was awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Mark. We were awarded this after being assessed by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
According to the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom:
LOtC Mark (Gold) recognises exemplary LOtC provision in schools and indicates that a school is a leader in ensuring that all pupils have access to frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom.
Read more by clicking the document below.
Why LoTC?
A survey of 2,000 parents in United Kingdom finds that nearly three quarters of children are spending less than one hour outside every day.
'Active play is the natural and primary way that children learn. It is essential to their healthy growth and progress, particularly during periods of rapid brain development.'
Sir Ken Robinson
There is much research showing that we spend too little time in the natural world and it has had grave effects on our mental and physical health. Study after study suggests that spending time outside reduces stress for children and adults.
LoTC Links
Forest School
At Whaddon we have a well established Forest School run by our fantastic Forest School leader, Mr Mud. All Hedgehogs and Squirrels children take part in a Forest School session once a week.
Our forest school sessions focus on: team building, problem solving, safe handling of tools, communication skills, camp fire safety, fine and gross motor skills development and having lots and lots of fun!
LOtC News
The children in Hedgehogs and Squirrels classes have enjoyed their forest school experiences and are looking forward to the exciting team building, problem solving and communication activities.
The children have learnt about their responsibilities for the environment and what they can do to keep our planet healthy.
Camp fire safety has been a priority and the children are all fire safe and ready for marshmallows and "hot mud".