AN OUTDOOR day at King’s Ely Junior made education even more of an adventure as the first half of term drew to a close, giving pupils the chance to explore their energy, courage and integrity while learning adventurously.
Normal lessons were suspended on Tuesday February 11 as pupils and staff embarked on their
first ever Big Outdoor Day. The action-packed event started with an inspiring talk from explorer Jamie Buchanan Dunlop, then the children then split into their year groups to take part in activities such as orienteering, constructing an outdoor classroom with willow branches, bird house building and songs around the campfire, complete with hot chocolate breaks to warm up in between.
“The Big Outdoor Day provided an opportunity for both pupils and staff to succeed in a totally different way,” said Kate Furness, the event’s organiser.
“A great deal was learnt about individual skills and interests through a variety of hands-on experiences, demonstrations and team events. The selection of cross curricular activities enriched the pupils’ understanding that what they learn in school relates to the real world.”
Head of King’s Ely Junior, Richard Whymark, added: “It was wonderful to see the children in their cagoules and wellies so that they could enjoy the many activities we had planned for them. The opportunity to move out from the classrooms, despite the weather
conditions, was just the tonic we all wished for after the wettest half of term in many years. The buzz around the school left us with a sense that something very special had taken place, and the inspired range of new opportunities delivered a tangible injection of energy, creativity and inspiration.”