Outdoor Learning
Outdoor learning has many different aspects which we incorporate here at Mackie Hill. We strive to take learning outdoors through a variety of different ways, including; outdoor science and team building activities.
We aim to give children 'hands on experience' in our allotment and wealth of grounds which provides them with knowledge and opportunities to develop throughout their lives.
We have also created and maintain our different gardens such as the bird garden, butterfly garden and mini-beast corner.
Foundation Stage
Foundation stage have continuous provision outside in their playground and under their new shelter. They have their own story circle made of tree stumps and a herb garden to appeal to their senses. They also have rainwater collectors, a raised bed to plant different things, a gravel bed to play with cars and a brand new mud kitchen!
Robinwood .
Children in Year 4, 5 & 8 have the opportunity to go to Robinwood Activity Centre.
They will challenge themselves and face their fears as they face activities such as:
Team building,
Zip wire,
Archery,
Canoeing,
Trapeze,
Climbing,
Caving.
The children this year went from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March and they had an amazing time.
If you are interested in our next Robinwood visit, please speak to Miss Robinson and look out for letters. For more information see their website: here.
While your children are away for the weekend the staff will update Twitter as much as possible with photographs, messages and ETA's so you can see what they are up to away from home.
Group leader: Miss Robinson
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 1 have easy access to outdoor space which is used regularly. They complete growing topics during science and love the outdoor trim trail and climbing wall. In their playground they have a collection of herbs in re- purposed tyres, tyres to play with and two picnic benches to enjoy.
Herd Farm
'Herd Farm' is a very exciting experience new to our school in February 2018. Children in Year 2 and 3 will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities and explore the great outdoors.
Below is a guide as to what the children will get up to:
Day 1 - Evening meal, night walk, puzzle room, hot chocolate and review
Day 2 - Breakfast, activity 1, lunch, activity 2, evening meal, games on the field, DVD, hot chocolate and review
Day 3 - Breakfast, activity 3, lunch
As you can see it is an action packed few days for the children and a fantastic experience. The cost of the visit is £70 per child and school is subsidising the cost of the coach through our share of the sports premium.
Group leader: Miss Robinson
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 complete lots of outdoor lessons from maths to drama and science. They maintain the planting beds to grow fruit and vegetables and are keen to take this even further. They have 6 picnic benches and picnic blankets (courtesy of the RSPB) which they use to sit on and read at play times and they have begun planting berry bushes around the school grounds to use in design technology later.