The Outdoor Learning Centre consists of a Forest School, Classroom, Animal Care and Horticulture area.
This creates a perfect environment for young people to explore and grow in all aspects of their development.

The centre also is the base for all outdoor activities to be accessed eg Kayaking, climbing etc
The use of Forest School and Outdoor Learning Activities for long and short-term programmes is hugely beneficial in enabling young people to engage within a natural space. They focus on developing personal, social and emotional life skills through learner-led, nature-based learning, whilst accessing a curriculum that develops key skills such as English, Maths and Science in these activities

Activities are also delivered at other activity centres to provide a holistic approach to meeting the emotional and educational needs of our students. This allows relationships based around trust and self-exploration to develop, which promotes positive engagement and supports the student in growing self-confidence.

Alongside whole class teaching, we also provide bespoke individual packages of various durations in the therapeutic environment of our Outdoor Learning Centre.

We work with students to gradually increase their attendance, whilst developing resilience, attachment and building relationships. We nurture self-esteem and confidence and emotional self-regulation strategies, setting boundaries and reinforcing positive behaviour and safety.

During our Wednesday outdoor learning sessions, pupils at Woodlands have enjoyed participating in campfire cooking. These sessions have helped pupils to build confidence and resilience, develop teamwork skills, and learn important culinary and fire safety skills.

Pupils across KS3 have also been involved in our exciting outdoor learning project, which includes full-day off-site experiences. Activities have included canoeing, walking, beach school, cycling, and learning about the local geography and history. These experiences have been hugely beneficial in developing pupils’ confidence, self-esteem and independence.

We are also introducing a John Muir Award project, which will focus on conservation and developing the natural environment surrounding Woodlands, including the stream. This will provide pupils with opportunities to learn about and actively contribute to the care of their local environment.

Our primary pupils are enjoying regular opportunities to take part in horse riding, bouldering and climbing sessions. These activities provide valuable opportunities for physical development, confidence building and overcoming challenges.

Following a successful residential visit to Ford Castle, we are looking forward to making this a regular event. Pupils from different Collingwood sites participated in a range of activities, including high ropes, zip wire, team-building challenges and rifle shooting. The residential provided pupils with opportunities to challenge themselves, develop resilience and independence, and forge new friendships across the different Collingwood sites.