We teach our school curriculum through an increased focus on outdoor learning throughout the year and we know that the outdoor and natural environment significantly contributes to good mental health and wellbeing as well as helping pupils regulate their emotions.

Our pupils focus on developing their whole selves through personal and creative development and community engagement; working collaboratively and developing a deep sense of place of where they work and live and curiosity about the world around them.

We promote resilience and support the pupils to try new activities that are purposeful and with built in supported risk taking, such as; archery, den building and pioneering, natural art and craft, orienteering, fire and food Forest School sessions.

All week (22nd-25th May), all lessons will be delivered outdoors in our wonderful school grounds and the neighbouring woodlands, where pupils will take part in practical outdoor activities and their imagination and creativity can shine through. It will culminate in a showcase of our learning at the end of the week where the community is warmly invited to share in our celebration exhibition.

This focussed week is part of our wider commitment to making Helmingham our flagship Outdoor Learning school in Consortium Trust. 

From September, all pupils throughout the school will have weekly opportunities for Forest school sessions, planned and led or supported by qualified and experienced Forest School practitioners.

We will have a brand new, purpose built pavillion for pupils and staff to use as well as fruit and vegetable plots and a wildlife area to enhance their learning.

Pupils are supported to work towards managing significant parts of their own learning and will have decision making opportunities in terms of where and how they learn, what the finished product will be and what resources they will use.

There are also weekly project based learning opportunities. 

Last week we were excited to involve children and staff in an advert that will be shown on the big screens at The Empire Cinema, Ipswich from May half term, so if you get a chance, go and watch a film and see if you can spot us on the big screen and if you can't make it to the cinema here's a sneak preview!