Validator report

31 October 2023

OLA-Castle Hill High School-SK2 5DS-31/Oct/2023

Areas for further development
As the school is so well equipped for future plans, one area for development the school might like to consider is cross-curricular learning in the outdoors, particularly with PSHE.
It would be great to see the school share their site and progress with the local community, and even consider a more national reach...
Award term ref
Confirm the recommendation
1
Overall comments
An exemplary submission and one on which the school should be congratulated! The award lead is well-trained, clear-thinking, and is a visionary for the benefits of outdoor learning for all. The impact data is impressively robust and is used meaningfully to inform planning, progress and development. The vision for outdoor learning is clear and coherent and exciting future plans are afoot. The school's belief in outdoor learning has ensured it has become integrated into school life, rather than an add-on. It was a joy to hear about all the well-considered and meaningful opportunities on offer.
School ref
Validator benchmark comments
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
The school has implemented numerous interventions to support outdoor learning, and these opportunities in which the whole-school community can participate have proved really successful. Reports from pupils reflect that they find value in these opportunities, and the data suggests that everyone's positive attitudes towards outdoor learning have been improved. The school has worked hard to not only promote positive attitudes to outdoor learning but to capture these changes in their evidence, particularly in relation to attitudes towards outdoor learning and improvements in wellbeing.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
There is a clear difference in the curriculum provision, from 'before' to 'after', which shows the impact made in this area. There is excellent pupil-led evidence that demonstrates clearly how well the school has listened to children's views and acted upon them meaningfullly.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
It is great to see positive feedback about the new extracurricular opportunities on offer in the school, and how they clearly show that a need is being fulfilled. A wealth of meaningful evidence has been provided by the school, which demonstrates the clear thinking and planning behind this benchmark.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
This is a real strength of the school's submission, led by a very enthusiastic, well-trained and capable lead who understands the difference that outdoor learning can make to children and how included they feel. The evidence shows the very high standards in place across the school site and with the resources used.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
This is a robust element of the award and one at which the school excels. The working documents show the extent to which the school take this seriously and how this importance is passed onto pupils as well as members of the wider school community.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
There was a lot of ground to cover at the starting point, with staff being unaware of the benefits of outdoor learning, so the difference that has now been made because of raising awareness and training is marked. The evidence shows clearly the changes in staff and their resulting attitudes towards outdoor learning.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
There has been a significant shift in the way that pupils are involved and therefore engaged with outdoor learning, particularly in relation to how if affects their health, wellbeing and mental health. The data shows clearly and concisely how well pupils are engaged in the excellent provision on offer.
Benchmarks ref
Comments on impact identified during validation
Feedback from parents/carers show that they are really appreciate the benefits of outdoor learning on their children, and that they are keen to be more involved where possible. The school's longer-term plans demonstrate how this will be achieved over time.
Validator recommendation
I recommend that the school is accredited for this award
Validation confirm date
31/Oct/2023
Product attribute ref
Gold