'Challenge Day' at Dunannie School shows the benefits

'Challenge Day' at Dunannie School shows the benefits of outdoors learning

08/06/2009

For one whole day the normal curriculum at Dunannie, Bedales pre-prep school, was suspended for children to take part in a 'Challenge Day' with visiting children from local primary schools. The idea was to physically challenge the children and involve them in activities which they wouldn't usually experience.

Head of Dunannie, Katie Potter, explains:

'The 'Challenge Day' was as an opportunity for the children to learn through a range of exciting mental and physical activities. The challenges were tailor-made for each age group so even the youngest Nursery children could take part.'

Members from the Sustainability Centre in East Meon came to Dunannie and organised five different bush craft activities which included exploring woodland habitats; sculpting lumps of chalk using hand-drills, hammers and chisels; and making dough balls on an open fire. The school orchard provided the perfect environment for these activities. In addition, the children learnt how to play lacrosse on the sports pitch, took part in drumming workshops and had their minds stretched by a variety of puzzles and games.

Katie explains further:

'The concentration in learning new skills - fire lighting, shelter making, solving a puzzle, manoeuvring a lacrosse stick – was clear to see on the children's faces. Even better were the beaming smiles when they found they could achieve the challenges.'

Children and staff from Buriton, Steep and East Meon primary schools also joined in, which added to the lively atmosphere. The ‘Challenge Day’ allowed the children to experience a different way of learning and their enthusiasm and excitement showed how much they enjoyed this opportunity.

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