In Ballyclare Primary School we want children to have the opportunity to be able to explore and learn in the outdoors throughout the year, experiencing the seasons and changing nature around them. We believe that children’s freedom and curiosity ignites when they are in the outdoor environment. We believe that learning outside the classroom can supplement and enrich the curriculum of our school by providing real-life, practical and hands-on experiences. 

Our Eco Schools programme provides an ideal way for fostering environmental awareness and we are proud to have been awarded our Eco School ‘Ambassador’ award for our work in school. This award scheme empowers children to make positive decisions and become change makers for an environmentally sustainable world. From Welly Wednesday in Sixmile Park to bulb planting projects, scavenger hunts and getting messy in the mud kitchen, we provide endless opportunities for exploration, experimentation and contextual learning. 

Outdoor play is an important part of learning, particularly in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Teachers skilfully plan opportunities for play and activity based learning that excite pupils and provide them with opportunities they may not experience in the classroom. Our Millennium play area and large school field are great spaces for children to play and explore in lots of space.