At Orton Wistow Primary School we value all types of outdoor learning.  For this reason, we ensure that children have the opportunity to participate in as many experiences as possible, offering residential visits throughout Key Stage Two.  Children have the opportunity to experience Burwell House in Year Three, Grafham Water in Year Four, Hilltop in Year Five and visit London in Year Six.  

Residential visits provide a context for learning, requiring young people to use their skills, knowledge and understanding in real, and often complex, situations.  They have an important role to play in helping young people to develop healthy lifestyles whilst showing children how to understand, love and respect the natural environment, so they can develop sustainable ways of living in the future.

According to The National Curriculum, residential visits are seen as ‘more than just a fun school trip away’.  They are important learning experiences, ensuring that schools offer pupils interesting and meaningful adventures, educational school trips and outdoor learning opportunities in line with the curriculum. 

There are various outcomes of high quality outdoor learning through a residential visit, such as;

• Enjoyment: Children enjoy participating in outdoor activities and adopt a positive attitude to challenge, learning and adventure.
• Confidence and character: Children develop personal confidence and character through taking on challenges and achieving success.
• Health and well-being: Children learn how to appreciate the benefits of physical fitness and the lifelong value of participating in healthy leisure activities.
• Social and emotional awareness: Children develop self-awareness and social skills, and their appreciation of the contributions and achievements of themselves and of others.
• Environmental awareness: Children start to become aware of the importance of conservation and sustainable development.
• Activity skills: Children develop a range of motor skills in support of their participation in outdoor pursuits, recreation and exploration.
• Personal qualities: Children demonstrate increased initiative, self-reliance, resilience, responsibility, perseverance, tenacity and commitment.
• Skills for life: Children develop key skills in communication, problem solving, leadership and teamwork, linking to our school PRIDE code and our learning toolkit.