A diverse and educational learning experience for our students
Why learn outside of the classroom?
The programme supports the students’ health and well-being and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural needs.
Students are given creative learning experiences to become well - rounded citizens. There are opportunities to enhance the students personal development and embrace an understanding of British Values in the local community as well as trips and visits which take place further afield.
What we have learned is that our students can relax and are more open to learning and increasing their subject knowledge when they are open minded and feel safe and confident within the activity.
"I loved Kite Flying, I learned about the weather and aerodynamics. I felt so free and safe, it’s the safest I have felt for a long time."
LOtC Student
Our Curriculum
We offer a diverse range of activities, trips, and visits that are carefully designed to align with key themes within our Chessbrook curriculum. These experiences not only enhance classroom learning but also provide students with invaluable real-world knowledge and practical skills.
Our Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) programme covers a broad spectrum of themes, including aerodynamics, weather, sustainability, energy from natural resources, physical and mental well-being, water safety, animal care and welfare, carpentry, local history, navigation, and essential life skills such as navigating public transport around London. Through hands-on experiences, students develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
Looking ahead, we are committed to further enriching our students' learning journeys. They will have the opportunity to receive first aid training and certification, equipping them with crucial skills that could one day save lives. Additionally, there will be a natural progression into the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, which will help them build resilience, teamwork, and independence while working towards a nationally recognised achievement. These initiatives are designed to empower students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the future.
Embracing the 5 Ways to Wellbeing through our LOtC programme
The New Economics Foundation report, written by Aked et al,(2008) identified ‘five key actions around the themes of social relationships, physical activity, awareness, learning, and giving’.
Much of the philosophy underpinning LOtC can be linked to this research. Having strong social relationships working with peers from Chessbrook, being physically active and being involved in learning are all important influencers of both well-being and ill-being.
The processes of giving and becoming more aware have been shown to specifically influence well-being in a positive way. Giving back, for example planting the trees the Chessbrook students grew and nurtured at Wood Oaks farm is a great example of how we can give to our local community and the students can see the long term benefits of this. Aked et al explains; ‘These behaviours will help to enhance individual well-being and may have the potential to reduce the total number of people who develop mental health disorders in the longer term’.
A diverse and educational learning experience for our students
Why learn outside of the classroom?
The programme supports the students’ health and well-being and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural needs.
Students are given creative learning experiences to become well - rounded citizens. There are opportunities to enhance the students personal development and embrace an understanding of British Values in the local community as well as trips and visits which take place further afield.
What we have learned is that our students can relax and are more open to learning and increasing their subject knowledge when they are open minded and feel safe and confident within the activity.
"I loved Kite Flying, I learned about the weather and aerodynamics. I felt so free and safe, it’s the safest I have felt for a long time."
LOtC Student
Our Curriculum
We offer a diverse range of activities, trips, and visits that are carefully designed to align with key themes within our Chessbrook curriculum. These experiences not only enhance classroom learning but also provide students with invaluable real-world knowledge and practical skills.
Our Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) programme covers a broad spectrum of themes, including aerodynamics, weather, sustainability, energy from natural resources, physical and mental well-being, water safety, animal care and welfare, carpentry, local history, navigation, and essential life skills such as navigating public transport around London. Through hands-on experiences, students develop confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
Looking ahead, we are committed to further enriching our students' learning journeys. They will have the opportunity to receive first aid training and certification, equipping them with crucial skills that could one day save lives. Additionally, there will be a natural progression into the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, which will help them build resilience, teamwork, and independence while working towards a nationally recognised achievement. These initiatives are designed to empower students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the future.
Embracing the 5 Ways to Wellbeing through our LOtC programme
The New Economics Foundation report, written by Aked et al,(2008) identified ‘five key actions around the themes of social relationships, physical activity, awareness, learning, and giving’.
Much of the philosophy underpinning LOtC can be linked to this research. Having strong social relationships working with peers from Chessbrook, being physically active and being involved in learning are all important influencers of both well-being and ill-being.
The processes of giving and becoming more aware have been shown to specifically influence well-being in a positive way. Giving back, for example planting the trees the Chessbrook students grew and nurtured at Wood Oaks farm is a great example of how we can give to our local community and the students can see the long term benefits of this. Aked et al explains; ‘These behaviours will help to enhance individual well-being and may have the potential to reduce the total number of people who develop mental health disorders in the longer term’.