GLF Schools

GLF Schools

Find out more about GLF Schools below.

Outdoor Learning

 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Whyteleafe Primary School, we recognise that high-quality outdoor learning enriches the curriculum, develops children's independence and resilience, and promotes their physical and emotional wellbeing. Our extensive outdoor environment provides purposeful opportunities for exploration, enquiry and first-hand experiences that deepen learning across all subjects.

Through regular access to outdoor learning, children develop confidence, communication skills, problem-solving abilities and a strong connection with the natural world.

Forest School

Forest School is a key part of our outdoor learning provision. Delivered in our woodland environment, it provides children with regular opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences, supported risk-taking and child-led exploration.

All children participate in Forest School blocks throughout the year, enabling them to experience learning across the seasons while developing:

  • Resilience and perseverance

  • Confidence and self-esteem

  • Communication and oracy skills

  • Independence and teamwork

  • Problem-solving and risk assessment skills

Forest School complements our wider curriculum by providing meaningful opportunities for children to apply their learning in authentic outdoor contexts.

Sensory Garden395B4538 0876 4451 A77A B82F2DA67C8E 1 102 o

Our newly refurbished Sensory Garden, opened in 2025, is a valued part of our commitment to supporting both wellbeing and learning. The space includes wildflower meadows, sensory trails, dens, rockeries and outdoor musical instruments, creating a rich environment for exploration and reflection. 

Children have access to the sensory garden during free play times, where the calm and nurturing environment supports social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), self-regulation and positive wellbeing.

The garden is also used as an outdoor learning space across the curriculum, providing opportunities for children to engage with nature, develop curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them through first-hand experiences.

 

Animal Care and Responsibility

Our school chickens provide a unique opportunity for children to develop responsibility, empathy and an understanding of animal welfare.

Children actively participate in caring for the chickens by:

  • Collecting eggs

  • Cleaning the run

  • Changing bedding

  • Monitoring the wellbeing of the animals

These real-life experiences help children understand the commitment required to care for living things while developing a sense of responsibility and community.

 

Bee Sanctuary and Beekeeping

Our dedicated bee sanctuary provides a unique and engaging outdoor learning experience. The school beehives are cared for by pupils through our Bee Club and outdoor learning programmes.

Beekeeping offers valuable opportunities to develop knowledge and skills across a range of curriculum areas, including science, environmental sustainability, business enterprise and conservation.

Children involved in beekeeping:

  • Learn how to care for and manage hives safely

  • Harvest honey and create products for sale

  • Develop an understanding of biodiversity and pollination

  • Contribute to financing the upkeep of the hives through enterprise activities

Pupils also have the opportunity to work towards the British Beekeepers Association Junior Beekeeping Certificate, a nationally recognised qualification assessed by an external examiner.

 

Developing Lifelong Learners

Our outdoor learning provision encourages children to become curious, resilient and reflective learners. By providing regular opportunities to learn in natural environments, we help children develop a sense of responsibility for the world around them while fostering the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to thrive both in school and beyond.

Page Gallery