At Rise Park Primary school, outdoor learning is more than an activity – it is a commitment to developing happy, healthy, and environmentally aware learners.

Our children take part in a wide range of activities, including gardening projects and outdoor nature sessions, where they explore seasonal changes, wildlife, planting, growing and sustainability. We are also proud to have dedicated ECO monitors who lead environmental initiatives across school, empowering pupils to take responsibility and become active participants of their environment.

Allotment Education Gardening

Gardening Groups with Allotment Education 

Our gardening groups, delivered by Allotment Education, provide high-quality, hands-on outdoor learning that supports pupils’ understanding of sustainability, food production, and the natural world. 

Learning Intentions
The programme aims to develop pupils’ knowledge of plant growth, pollination, composting, and habitats, while building practical skills and encouraging environmental responsibility. Learning is experiential and supports the wider curriculum, including science and personal development. 

Learning Outcomes 

Knowledge
Pupils will: 

  • Understand the process and requirements for germination 
  • Recognise the importance of soil and compost and identify materials that can and cannot be composted 
  • Understand the role of bees in pollination and identify foods that depend on bees 
  • Understand the importance of insects and wildlife, including how and where to position a bug hotel 
  • Develop awareness of the need to provide safe habitats for nature 

Skills
Pupils will: 

  • Sow and water a range of seeds correctly 
  • Pot on and care for young plants 
  • Build a bug hotel and make a bird feeder 
  • Apply practical problem-solving, teamwork, and responsibility in an outdoor setting 

Impact
The programme has contributed to clear improvements in both the front and rear school grounds. Pupils have extended their learning beyond school by taking home plants and projects, including strawberry plants, onions, tomatoes, beans, and handmade bug hotels. This has supported family engagement and reinforced learning about sustainability at home. 

 

 

Outdoor Nature Sessions

🌲 Outdoor learning  

In our outdoor nature sessions, children are given the freedom to learn, play, and grow in the natural world. Regular outdoor sessions encourage children to explore their surroundings, build confidence, and develop independence in a safe and supportive woodland environment. 

Through hands‑on experiences such as den building, exploring nature, creative play, and teamwork, children develop important life skills including resilience, communication, problem‑solving, and emotional wellbeing. Outdoor nature sessions sessions nurtures curiosity and imagination while allowing children to learn at their own pace. 

We believe every child benefits from time outdoors. Outdoor nature sessions provides a calm, inclusive space where children can build positive relationships, take manageable risks, and develop a lifelong love of nature—whatever the weather! 

Eco Monitors

Eco Monitors 

Our Eco Monitors play an important role in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility across the school. The group provides pupils with a meaningful leadership opportunity, empowering them to take an active role in caring for their school environment. 

Role and Responsibilities
Eco Monitors work collaboratively to support environmentally friendly practices within the school. They help raise awareness of sustainability issues, model positive behaviours, and encourage the whole school community to take responsibility for protecting the environment. 

Priority for 2025–2026
The Eco Monitors’ key priorities for the coming academic year are: 

  • To continue supporting the development and maintenance of the school allotment and grounds 
  • To work towards achieving the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award 

Impact and Progress So Far
Eco Monitors have already made a positive impact by: 

  • Carrying out regular weekly litter picks across the school site 
  • Collecting leaves, cardboard, and other compostable materials to support the school composter 
  • Completing the Eco-Schools Environmental Review 
  • Actively contributing to the creation of the school’s Eco-Schools Action Plan and completing the required steps towards the Green Flag Award application 

Through their work, Eco Monitors are developing leadership skills, teamwork, and a strong sense of environmental responsibility, while making a tangible and lasting contribution to the school environment.