Learning Outside of the Classroom

Learning Outside the Classroom concerns learning, experiences, and opportunities that take place outside the ‘traditional’ classroom.

It is an integral part of the Chailey curriculum and school life, day-to-day, term-to-term, year-to-year; it plays a vital role in both upholding and sustaining our school values and vision. Such learning experiences engage and inspire minds, are highly motivating, and promote success though challenge; they consequently have a very positive impact on, and correlation with, attainment and academic success.

LOtC opportunities and experiences can offer a different kind of stimulus to that of the four walls of the classroom, broadening the perspective, strengthening positive working relationships and team-work, and demonstrating real-life situations. All students, regardless of circumstances or ability, are strongly encouraged and supported in their participation in a wide range of inclusive, continuous and progressive LOtC activities throughout their time at school – these are monitored, encouraged and recognised through the Chailey Award at key Stage 3 and Chailey Diploma at Key Stage 4.

Staff are trained and supported in their coordination and running of those activities allowing Chailey students to experience, develop and achieve in more ways ‘than they ever thought possible’.

Chailey School are absolutely delighted to announce that we have been re-awarded the LOtC Mark, at gold level, by CLOtC. This recognises our commitment to providing high quality learning outside the classroom opportunities for our students. The LOtC Mark is awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the UK-wide charity that champions all learning that happens beyond the classroom, whether this learning happens indoors or outdoors, close to home or far away. 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 many benefits of LOtC are now well-evidenced and include improving academic attainment, physical health, emotional well-being, self-esteem, and resilience. The gold award is CLOtC's top award, and Chailey School is the only school in East Sussex to have the award at that level.

More on this can be found in our ‘LOtC policy’ as well as in the different subject area sections under ‘Curriculum Offer’.