At James Dixon Primary School we believe the world beyond the classroom is a wonderful place. This is where our learning and skills take on meaning, helping us to make sense of the surrounding world.  Outdoor learning opportunities create, motivate and develop children to see the links within their learning, as well as aiming to raise achievement through a child led approach to learning, using experiences from their environment.

A key part of this ethos comes from James Dixon Forest School.   JD Forest School supports the holistic development of all children allowing them the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through a range of practical, hands-on experiences in a natural environment. 

At JD, Forest School is a regular learning opportunity with Nursery, Reception and Year 1 taking part once a week for the whole academic year.  This time is used to instill the rules and ethos of forest school, promote independence and champion imaginative play and exploration. 

In KS2, sessions have been carefully considered to support key transition points in the children's development. These sessions are structured to give around 12 weeks of learning in which they can explore and develop their skills in an outdoor environment building the skills of resilience, communication and problem solving skills.

Because at JD, it's not just what we learn... but where we learn it and how we learn it!