OLA-Hertswood Academy-WD6 5LG-27/Feb/2025

At Hertswood Academy, students are more aware of outdoor learning opportunities, actively requesting more experiences. Camping trips have developed navigation skills and confidence, with students reflecting positively to parents, who engage through Parent Coffee Mornings. Outdoor learning is widely shared on social media and discussed within the school environment. Leadership meetings and governor briefings ensure ongoing focus, while enrichment sessions see high student participation, reinforcing enthusiasm for outdoor learning.

Hertswood Academy has effectively utilised curriculum time to enhance outdoor learning opportunities. Fieldwork development across faculties, such as Geography and Biology, has improved access to biodiversity studies, though further sharing of opportunities is needed. Regular outdoor learning beyond the classroom has positively impacted mental health. Enrichment sessions, including have increased engagement leading to improved learning outcomes, deeper subject understanding, and greater student enthusiasm for outdoor experiences.

Hertswood Academy has expanded extracurricular outdoor learning, offering camping experiences and activities beyond the curriculum. Provision is targeted to support students who need additional guidance, fostering confidence and engagement. Student-built animal care enclosures provide a space for pupils to channel emotions positively while developing responsibility and community spirit. As a result, low-level disruption has decreased, and behaviour tracking shows a reduction in incidents across Years 9, 10, and 11, alongside improved student engagement.

Effective use of outdoor resources at Hertswood Academy in certain subject areas has enhanced curriculum delivery and student engagement. The quad as a bookable space has increased access to outdoor learning, though consistency in booking remains an area for growth. Local walking trips have strengthened connections to environmental stewardship and social equity. Shared planning has enabled staff to deliver outdoor lessons with confidence, leading to enriched learning experiences and deeper subject understanding across the curriculum.

The safe use of outdoor spaces at Hertswood Academy has led to increased staff confidence due to consistent processes and protocols. Regular equipment and resource checks ensure a secure environment for all students. Outdoor learning spaces are well-utilised, with staff feeling empowered to lead sessions. Expanding provisions, including picnic benches and stewardship projects, has further supported behaviour management, allowing students to regulate emotions while fostering environmental responsibility.

With structured training, teachers feel empowered to integrate outdoor learning effectively, leading to more engaging lessons and enriched student experiences. Pupils benefit from well-planned, safe, and interactive outdoor sessions, fostering curiosity, resilience, and deeper learning. This approach has also strengthened behaviour management and staff collaboration, enhancing the overall school culture.

Ensuring pupils are actively engaged in outdoor learning at Hertswood Academy has led to high levels of student participation. Hands-on, real-life learning experiences have enhanced curiosity and enthusiasm, making lessons more memorable and impactful. Pupils have retained information, skills and knowledge, applying it in practical ways. This approach has fostered deeper learning, improved engagement across subjects, and strengthened students’ connection to their environment and wider community.

Parental engagement in outdoor learning at Hertswood Academy has significantly improved, with parent evening attendance at its highest. Parent-teacher associations and coffee mornings provide opportunities to discuss and understand the value of outdoor learning. Parents have greater access to information about their children’s outdoor learning experiences and successes, fostering a stronger school-home partnership. This has led to increased support for outdoor initiatives and greater appreciation of their impact on student development.