Learning outside the classroom can help teachers create enthusiasm for learning, provide a real-world context and expose students to a range of STEM careers. Students who experience learning outside the classroom benefit from increased self-esteem and become more engaged in their education.
At Poulton Lancelyn we have an extensive range of outdoor learning provision by implementing our Forest School programme and through our Year Two Barnstondale experience, Year 4 Kingswood over night stay and the Year Six PGL residential, which occurs annually each summer.
Castlehead, Year 6, July 2025
Year 6 had a brilliant time on their 3-day residential visit to Castlehead in Grange over Sands. The objectives of the trip were to develop independence, communication, and teamwork, which are all essential characteristics to possess as the children will soon be transitioning to secondary school. On the trip, the pupils built their own rafts, put on their own harnesses, and climbed impressively high walls/poles. They even enjoyed an evening walk where they spotted lots of wildlife. Most pupils’ highlight was supporting each other through a ghyll scramble, where everyone got very wet but had lots of fun together. Everyone had an amazing time and made great memories.
Tattenhall, Year 4, June 2025
Our Year 4 pupils enjoyed a memorable one-night residential at Tattenhall, embracing new challenges away from home. During their stay, they took part in a zip wire, a low ropes course, a jungle camp, and a tree climb. Through these activities, the children developed practical skills, including knot tying and other survival techniques, while also demonstrating resilience and strengthening their collaborative skills. The residential offered an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and confidence building through team-focused exercises, which further enhanced their communication skills. The children thoroughly enjoyed the trip and made some very special memories together.
Barnstondale, Year 2, February 2026
It was a chilly but dry day at Barnstondale for Year 2 this year. The children took part in four exciting activities: fire and den building in the wild woods, climbing, abseiling, and team building.
The brilliant instructors taught the children how to build a fire, showing them how to create sparks using ferro rods to start the fires themselves! They also learned how to build shelters. The children demonstrated fantastic teamwork skills as they completed their missions.
Many of the children faced their fears while climbing and abseiling. Once kitted out in harnesses and helmets, they were ready to go! Every child pushed beyond their limits, and we are so proud of them. Whether they climbed to the top of the tower or simply stepped off the ground, each child achieved something they thought they couldn’t. After climbing, the next challenge was abseiling. For many, this was their first time! They slowly released themselves from the tower, cheered on by their friends.
Team-building games gave us a break from the chilly air as we raced through an assault course made of tyres, cargo nets, and wooden planks! We used our agility and balance to excel.
What did we learn? To support each other—with smiles, cheers, and high-fives all around. For that, we are so proud of them. Well done, Year 2!
