Barnstaple school gets national award for learning outside the classroom

Lampard Community School in Barnstaple has received national recognition for its dedication to ensuring children learn just as much beyond the classroom.

The school has been awarded the Gold LOtC Mark by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, a national charity that champions expanding children’s learning experiences outside of classroom walls.

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These activities could be anything from working in a school garden to educational trips out of doors or inside at places such as churches or museums – anything beyond the traditional classroom setting that helps expand knowledge and experiences for young people.

Above: Lampard School words to give pupils a broad range of experiences outside classroom walls, such as pony trekking. Credit: Lampard School

Below: Lampard Community School pupils working outside. Credit: Lampard School

Jennie Harvey, headteacher at Lampard School, said: “I am thrilled to see that my staff’s dedication to LOtC has been recognised through the Gold Award this year.

“We all see the impact that our strategic, holistic approach to LOtC has on the wellbeing of everyone in our school community and I look forward to us supporting young people’s development in this way for many years to come.”

Above: North Devon MP Ian Rome visited Lampard Community School last year to hear more about the work it does, pictured here with Clare Feehan, head of outdoor learning and headteacher Jennie Harvey. Credit: Lampard School

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom says providing students with more opportunities to access high quality learning beyond the classroom experiences can open their eyes to the world around them and allows them to develop into well-rounded citizens.

The benefits of this include improving academic attainment, physical health, emotional well-being, self-esteem and resilience.

Above and below: Meeting animals away from a classroom setting can be formative experiences for younger pupils. Credit: Lampard School

Dr Anne Hunt, chief executive for the charity, said: “Learning outside the classroom has many proven educational benefits as well as providing some of the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life.

“Achieving the Gold LOtC Mark demonstrates that Lampard School is committed to developing and delivering genuinely valuable learning outside the classroom experiences for their children and young people and I congratulate them on achieving this award.”

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