Sustainable Outdoor Learning (SOL) at Goldsmith Primary Academy

Our Vision

“Our aspirations are our possibilities – believe you can and you will!”

At Goldsmith Primary Academy, our Sustainable Outdoor Learning programme delivers a child-centred, inspirational learning experience that promotes holistic growth, confidence, and self-esteem through learner-inspired, hands-on experiences in the natural environment.

Rooted in the principles of Forest School, our approach provides every learner with regular opportunities to achieve and grow through meaningful outdoor experiences. It supports emotional wellbeing, builds resilience, and develops a deep respect for nature — empowering children to understand their role as future caretakers of the planet.

As described by the Forest School Association,

“Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and complements the wider context of outdoor and woodland education.”

Our sustainable outdoor learning curriculum embodies this philosophy while aligning with our WAT Aspire Curriculum, encouraging pupils to dream big, rise academically, and ASPIRE to make a positive impact on their world.

Our Objectives

Through Sustainable Outdoor Learning, we aim to:

• Develop pupils’ social, physical, intellectual, creative, emotional, and spiritual skills.

• Strengthen all character virtues, with a particular focus on resilience, curiosity, and independence.

• Nurture Aspire learner skills, especially collaboration, through shared problem-solving and teamwork.

• Foster a lifelong connection with the natural environment, building understanding of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Our Approach

Children at Goldsmith Primary Academy work hard every day in their classrooms — but we also believe in the power of learning beyond the classroom walls. Our Sustainable Outdoor Learning sessions provide additional opportunities for pupils to explore, create, and grow in a natural setting.

Learning outdoors helps children develop across all areas of themselves — from social interaction and wellbeing to self-esteem and creativity. Sessions are largely child-led, allowing pupils’ own interests to shape the flow of activities. A session might begin with den building and evolve into discovering mini-beasts, creating crafts, or exploring the science behind fire creation.

By integrating sustainability throughout these sessions, pupils learn not only about the environment but also how their actions can contribute to protecting it.

What Children Learn

Our Sustainable Outdoor Learning curriculum includes:

• Safety and risk awareness in outdoor environments

• Den building and shelter construction

• Craft making and tool work

• Reconnecting with nature and understanding ecosystems

• Scientific exploration, including the safe creation of fire

• Sustainable practices, such as reusing natural materials and respecting wildlife

How It Supports Children’s Development

We firmly believe that the confidence and independence developed through outdoor learning directly influence pupils’ behaviour and engagement in the classroom.

By embracing risk–benefit experiences, children safely step outside their comfort zones to try new challenges, such as tool work or fire lighting. These experiences help pupils discover their own strengths, develop resilience, and enhance problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Through Sustainable Outdoor Learning, pupils build the character virtues and learner skills that underpin our Aspire Curriculum — preparing them to face challenges with confidence and creativity.

Assessment

Assessment within Sustainable Outdoor Learning is based on continuous observation and responsive planning. Staff use Assessment for Learning to adapt sessions in real time, ensuring each child’s needs and interests guide the experience.

Progress is observed through participation, reflection, collaboration, and confidence, rather than formal testing — maintaining the child-led ethos at the heart of our approach.