Outdoor Learning & Forest School

At Langenhoe we are very fortunate to have extensive grounds, a playground, large field and wooded area with trees and a willow arch. There is plenty of room for the children to explore, invent games and participate in lots of sporting activities. During playtimes and lunchtimes we make maximum use of all of our outdoor space.

In addition to this, we also have our wildlife area which has two ponds, a wood (great for den building!) and an outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom means we can learn outside throughout the year – including when it’s raining or snowing!

We have certain days where the whole school will be learning outdoors and participating in lots of exciting activities. We run a regular after school Forest Club and have held two ‘Wild Well Being’ courses to support our children and their families.

Each class aims to spend some time each week where the learning takes place outside. We have seen the value and impact it has on how children learn and their general well-being and mental health.

Below you can find what some of the children at Langenhoe have to say about their outdoor learning experiences.

What our children say about Outdoor Learning at Langenhoe…

Since making the above video, Friends & Family raised the funds to restore our decking and with the help of The Conservation Volunteers we celebrated the completion of this project in the summer 2023.

“The outdoor area is cosy for learning.”
Teddie, Class 2

“I like the fresh trees with moss and you can look up at the trees and think about something that calms you down.”
Albie, Class 3

“Our playground has many colourful game markings drawn on the stone ground to encourage our children to expand their imagination.”
Mia, Class 4

“Kestral Lodge and the wildlife area are amazing and I really enjoy going down there for outdoor learning each week. I love having a Wildlife Day every year as Essex Wildlife Trust come and we do lots of fun activities, including making dens, cutting down blackberries with loppers and doing tie-dye. All in all, the wildlife area has been a great opportunity for students of all ages.”
Mia, Class 5

“The wildlife area is the best place to be in if you want to have fun!”
Madison, Class 5

“I absolutely love going down into the wildlife area because we do so many exciting tasks. Our classes all adore this area that we are blessed to have and I hope that it carries on boosting students’ morale in the future.”
Alex, Class 5

“I love learning about the trees and flowers.”
George, Class 2

“Not many schools can boast its own woodland with two enormous bug hotels, a forest school, an outside classroom, and a pond for pond dipping. It is a super stimulating nature preserve found opposite the school.”
Connor, Class 4

“It’s just a pleasure to have it!”
Felix, Class 3

“Our Willow Dome is a magical area that is used by children to have adventures. Its quietness is unique when compared to any other area. It allows you to have shade and is perfect for picnics. Several times during the day, you will find children sitting there watching the wind blow, branches sway and the sun shine through the gaps in the trees.”
Maisy, Class 4

“I think we are lucky to have an amazing wildlife area and thanks to Mr Williamson we are allowed to go down there almost whenever we want, as well as using it for Forest School.”
Torben, Class 5