Bring me sunshine...

By Karen Burns

Hi everyone!
The daffodils are starting to poke their heads through but we continue through in this unusually cold spell of weather.  I have been lucky enough to have a few days away from it, venturing to the wonderful country of South Africa.

What struck me whilst I was there is how much they enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, they really are able to make the most of the climate and the beautiful surroundings. It got me thinking how much kids love being outside, come rain or shine. We don’t get regular, reliable sunshine but in true British style we do try to make the most of the outdoors.  My 5 year old, on returning from the lovely warmth, went on his school trip to a nature reserve, 20 degrees colder than what he had just come back from, armed with waterproofs and wellies and had a whale of a time.  Whilst it would be lovely to run around in t-shirts and shorts all the time, let’s get the kids togged up and into the outdoors, they learn so much and enjoy it and somehow, they don’t seem to feel the cold as much as we do!

This leads me nicely into introducing our newest commercial partner, School Outdoor Learning (SOuL).  Some of the memories that stick out for me from school are when we were treated to classes outside, it opens up a whole new way of thinking and creativity. The guys at SOuL have created amazing creative learning spaces for your outdoor areas. Whether you have a small patch of tarmac or acres of woodland they can create something for your school that will bring together your teaching and learning with your outdoor environment. For SOuL, it’s also about play, and they are also rapidly developing a great reputation for installing play and adventure equipment.

If you get in touch before the end of May they are offering a free site survey of your school grounds & detailed report offering advice & suggestions for outdoor learning.  I’d wholeheartedly recommend getting in touch and seeing what they can do for you.  www.schooloutdoorlearning.com

It doesn’t stop there! In addition, the SOuL team have created the Schools Teams Adventure Races (STARs) series.  

The STARs events are new for the summer term of 2016. SOuL will be organising a set of regional adventure races for teams of competing students at schools throughout the UK. The events will test students physically, intellectually and creatively through a range of challenges such as:​

• Mountain bike trails
• Swimming
• Run/obstacle course
• Navigation and journeying skills
• Raft building
• Problem solving and team initiative tasks
• Wall/tree climbs
• Sensory challenges
• Fire building and cooking tasks
• Creative task/sculpt using natural materials
• Knowledge of the natural world and the outdoor environment
• Cerebral puzzles and activities

Students will also be scored and assessed on their team working skills together with their ability to lead and manage themselves through a fun, challenging and complex journey in the outdoors. Top teams from each regional event will be invited to compete in a national final event to conclude the series.
I have to say this sounds really exciting and a lot of fun, so what are you waiting for - get signed up and join in!  To learn more visit http://www.schooloutdoorlearning.com/stars/