“Let Nature be your teacher.“

– William Wordsworth

A message from our Subject Leader:

“I passionately believe that outdoor learning should never be left on the sidelines. To me, being outdoors is an intrinsic part of how we develop well-rounded children. By building play and discovery skills in nature, we give our pupils a unique toolkit that directly enhances their focus and learning back in the classroom.”

— Mr Drew, Outdoor Education & Play Lead

What is the WOODS Program?

The WOODS Programme stands for Weekly Outdoor Opportunities for Discovery and Skills. It is our pioneering initiative that turns the school grounds into a “living laboratory” where learning comes to life.

The GROWTH Framework

We deliver every session through our six GROWTH foundations:

  • Guided: Planned and led by trained, competent practitioners.

  • Regular: Consistent, year-round access to ensure deep skill development.

  • Outdoors: Leveraging our diverse school zones, from the mud kitchens to the woodland.

  • Well-being focused: Focusing on the physical, mental, and social health of every child.

  • Tailored: Flexible sessions that adapt to curriculum goals and child interests.

  • Hands-on: Real-world experiences, including tool use and fire lighting.

Why it Matters

At Willow Farm, we don’t just “go outside”—we learn with purpose. The WOODS Programme is vital because it:

  • Embodies PRIDE Values: We use the outdoors to teach being Positive, Responsible, Inquisitive, Determined, and Empathetic.

  • Builds Resilience: Children experience managed risk, helping them become confident decision-makers.

  • Nurtures Stewardship: Pupils learn the “no pick, no lick, no squish” rule to respect and protect their local environment.

Integrating the Curriculum

WOODS is not a break from schoolwork—it is a different way of doing it. We bridge the gap between the woods and the classroom by:

  • Bringing Subjects to Life: Whether it’s Maths (measuring wood), Science (bug hunts), or History (the legend of Robin Hood), we make learning hands-on.

  • Progression Stages: Children journey from being Little Willow Wildlings (EYFS) to Willow Wanderlings (Mid-Primary) and finally Willow Wayfinders (Older Primary), where they master advanced outdoor skills.

  • Supporting Every Learner: Our outdoor setting often allows children who struggle in a traditional classroom to thrive and find their voice.