The need for young people to enjoy time outdoors and really appreciate their natural surroundings has never been more important.
At Beachborough Prep School in Westbury near Brackley, Northamptonshire, children are encouraged to make full use of the tremendous 35 acres of grounds, treating it as an extended classroom. Described as a charming and rural “hidden gem” in our Muddy Stilettos reviews, the school sits on the Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Northamptonshire borders, and includes a woodland and a portion of the Great River Ouse. The freedom of space and natural resources mean that Beachborough children really can learn absolutely everywhere!
Children in the Early Years (Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception) and in our Pre-Prep (Years 1 and 2) are encouraged to discover, question, and relish their learning to gain a solid foundation in every area of the curriculum, giving them an enthusiastic start to their school journey. They do so through exciting and engaging lessons that support positive relationships, purposeful play, curiosity, and discovery.
The belief behind the Beachborough Prep curriculum is that children learn best through first-hand experiences and Beachborough Prep offers plenty of opportunities to do just that, in an adventurous way throughout the school grounds, making use of all the natural resources available.
Pivotal to the success of outdoor learning is the requirement of a qualified Forest School Lead and here at Beachborough Prep, we were lucky enough to have Miss Becky Fry join the team in September 2024 and head up this role. Having trained at the Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre over a two-year period, and participating in practical examinations, hands-on training and concluding with assessments, Becky is extremely passionate about the opportunities that being outdoors, offers Beachborough Prep pupils.
“The natural world holds unique magic, offering a wealth of opportunities that contribute profoundly to children’s development in every aspect – physical, emotional and cognitive. Time spent outdoors engages children in ways that are both enriching and transformative, fostering skills and experiences that are increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society. For adults too, the simple act of stepping outside, breathing in fresh, clean air, and grounding oneself in nature can be a powerful remedy against the stresses of modern life.”
Alongside teaching the Nursery and Kindergarten children and leading the Nursery and Kindergarten team, Becky also runs the co-curricular Forest School club, utilising our outdoor classroom, woodland area, dedicated Forest School and welly walks all around the grounds of Beachborough Prep!
“Programs like Forest School go beyond the traditional learning environment by encouraging children to embrace “risky play,” which is often hard to find in contemporary childhood experiences. These opportunities for managed risk allow children to challenge themselves in safe, natural settings, promoting resilience, independence, and self-confidence. By navigating these challenges, children not only discover their own capabilities but also build a sense of trust in their decision-making and problem-solving skills, laying the groundwork for lifelong confidence and emotional resilience.”
Welly Walks around the grounds are an exciting way of learning about our surrounding natural environment, Science Days are based in the Wetlands area, Geography lessons take place in The Woods and our children can enjoy the use of our outdoor play equipment at breaktimes which all adds to the development of healthy relationships, social skills and opens young minds to limitless imagination.
“The stunning beauty of the Beachborough Prep grounds naturally lends itself to fostering outdoor learning opportunities, which is one of the school’s most captivating features. From the moment I joined the team in September, the breath-taking surroundings left a lasting impression – and they continue to inspire me every day. As Educators, we are constantly exploring ways to integrate outdoor learning into our practice, recognising the value of immersing students in nature.”
Providing different learning environments for all children from 2 ½ to 13 years is at the heart of Beachborough Prep’s philosophy, because it helps foster a love of learning. Beachborough Prep is a school that embraces new technology and places enormous value on a combination of traditional, yet innovative classroom teaching, and opportunities for outdoor learning.
The power of being able to just be a child again should never be underestimated, particularly in a setting where every day is an exciting learning adventure. Lighting fires, toasting marshmallows, den building, knot tying, wood cutting, and whittling are all skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.
“Potion making is my favourite Forest School activity. I am captivated by how wonderfully open-ended it is, providing limitless possibilities for exploration and creativity. Each moment concocting new ‘potions’ is filled with imagination, as natural ingredients spark curiosity and inspire the creation of something magical. It is an experience that not only engages the senses but also encourages free-thinking, problem-solving and joyful experimentation. The process itself is as enchanting as the product, making it a truly memorable and inspiring activity in nature’s classroom.”
Thank you to Miss Fry for sharing her expertise on outdoor learning! If you would like to learn more about our curriculum and outdoor learning opportunities at Beachborough Prep, please get in touch with our Admissions Team on admissions@beachborough.com
