WITH schools developing "classrooms" outside, more and more children are taking their learning outdoors.

Teachers say that the natural environment has a huge "potential for learning".

Recently year three girls at Bolton School enjoyed an Outdoor Learning Day, taking part in a a number activities, including orienteering, team building, bushcraft and archery.

Challenges including being given a map of the Bolton School grounds and using it to find a series of numbered markers — within a time limit.

They had to work together to transport a ball 15 metres, using only a piping and taking part in a caterpillar race.

The bushcraft activity was held in the wooded area on the edge of the school field.

The girls learned more about different types of plant life and were asked to collect particular varieties of leaves.

They could also take part in the blindfold ropes trail, in which they had to carefully follow a path marked by ropes tied between trees .

The young adventurers also learned how to survive the great outdoors, creating shelters using a tent and natural materials.

The year three Outdoor Learning Day is designed to provide the girls with a great introduction to the world of outdoor pursuits, and serves as a precursor to their overnight trip to Patterdale Hall in the Lake District in year four.

Years five and six continue to learn outdoors, taking part in residentials and year six girls can work towards their John Muir Award, which is an environmental award scheme aimed at encouraging awareness and responsibility for the natural world.

Ruth Brierley, headmistress of Bolton School girls’ division junior school, said:“It is widely recognised that learning does not have to take place just within educational buildings.

"The outdoors has huge potential for learning.

"It can be fun, adventurous, exhilarating, challenging and creative.

"This was just the experience offered to our year three girls on their Outdoor Learning Day.

"The children engaged in a range of extra-curricular activities, as well as improving their listening skills and ability to work together as part of a team.

“Our aim is to offer formative experiences that inspire confidence, awareness and appreciation, values and responsibility.

"For our year three girls this is the beginning of their future outdoor learning experience and education at Patterdale.”

The experience proved to be a fun learning experience for the girls.

Anna Brennand, aged eight, said:“We got to make a den in the woods.

"I also liked doing the blindfold rope trail, because it felt like you were going down a cliff at the start. I enjoyed that we got to run around and follow the map in orienteering.

"I’d definitely do a day like this again.”

Mia Livesey, aged seven., said: “It’s like we’re having a holiday.

"We’ve had a really good time. I’m looking forward to going to Patterdale Hall next year now.”

See The Bolton News for more pictures.