Outdoor Learning
At Church Preen, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Set in the beautiful Shropshire countryside, our pupils thrive in an environment where nature, discovery and adventure are part of everyday school life.
Learning in Nature
Our Setting
Church Preen Primary School is nestled at the foothills of Wenlock Edge, surrounded by woodland, fields, quiet country lanes and rolling hills — a beautiful location where learning comes alive.
“Pupils take part in outdoor learning in a unique and attractive setting.”
— Ofsted, June 2024
Outdoor Learning at the Heart of School Life
We believe childhood should be full of discovery, curiosity and fresh air. That’s why time outdoors is central to our approach. Research shows that spending time in nature nurtures happy, healthy and confident learners — and at Church Preen, every pupil benefits from these experiences all year round.
We are also fortunate to have an outdoor skills curriculum that builds independence, resilience and creativity.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
From structured weekly sessions beyond the classroom, to curriculum-linked adventures in our grounds, pupils develop skills and knowledge in exciting and memorable ways. Whatever the season, they explore, investigate and create, building a deep connection with the natural world.
An Inspiring Outdoor Classroom
The school’s well-maintained grounds provide a safe and stimulating environment for exploration. Features such as the stream, bridges and island, woodland, bird hide, bug hotel, fire square and mud kitchen are carefully integrated into the natural environment, supporting imaginative play, practical learning and outdoor adventure.
A Community Resource
We also share our outdoor spaces with the local pre-school, helping even our youngest community members begin their journey of discovery.
Facilities at a Glance
We are proud to offer:
- A spacious playing field
- Adventure playground equipment including a climbing wall
- A running track, also used for the Daily Mile
- A woodland area with bridges leading to a small island
- A stream for pond dipping, dam building and exploration
- Fire square with seating, doubling up as a storytelling area
- Forest School shelter with seating for a full class
- Mud kitchen area
- Bug hotel
- Bird hide
Where Learning and Nature Go Hand in Hand
At Church Preen, the outdoors isn’t just an addition to the school day — it’s woven into everything we do. Here, our pupils don’t just learn about nature, they learn through nature.