Clare Mount Specialist Sports College Role Models and Catalysts for Change
Learning Outside the Classroom
Intent
At Clare Mount, Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC), Forest School, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provide pupils with regular opportunities to explore, take risks, and grow beyond the traditional classroom. Our aim is to build confidence, independence, and resilience through hands-on, practical experiences in nature. By embedding LOtC across Key Stage 3 and progressing into the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Key Stage 4, we offer a continuous journey of personal growth, teamwork, and character development.
Mr J Weights
Teacher of Learning Outside the Classroom
J.Weights@claremount.wirral.sch.uk
Implementation
Key Stage 3
LOtC is timetabled weekly for all KS3 pupils and delivered in our on-site forest area, school fields, and outdoor learning classroom. The curriculum progresses as follows:
- Year 7 – Building Confidence & Community: Establishing routines, trust, and collaboration outdoors
- Year 8 – Developing Skills through Play: Fire-lighting, tool use, navigation, and habitat exploration
- Year 9 – Independent Problem-Solving: Creative challenges that promote leadership and teamwork
Key Stage 4
Students follow the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme through structured outdoor learning experiences:
- Navigation: Map reading, route planning, and safe travel in countryside and urban environments
- Campcraft: Pitching tents, cooking outdoors, campsite management, and environmental care
- Volunteering: Contributing to local community projects at farms, allotments, community hubs, and conservation sites
- Skills & Physical Development: Participation in sports, leadership courses, first aid, and forestry skills
- Expeditions: Multi-day countryside treks or urban journeys, practising navigation, teamwork, and independence under staff supervision
All activities are carefully structured to build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and responsibility, while providing safe, enjoyable, and meaningful opportunities for personal growth.
Impact
Pupils who engage in outdoor learning show:
- Improved self-esteem, communication, and resilience
- Stronger relationships with peers and staff
- Greater independence and motivation to learn
- Increased physical activity and emotional wellbeing
- Expanded cultural capital through real-world experiences
Progress is monitored through ongoing observation, pupil reflection, and baseline skill assessments, ensuring every child is recognised and supported to grow at their own pace.