BET Featured School: Woodmansterne Primary School & Little Oaks Farm
BackBourne Education Trust believes extraordinary learning experiences extend far beyond textbooks and tests, and for this reason we are delighted to spotlight Woodmansterne Primary School, where outdoor learning has become an integral part of the educational journey.
Set within 5.5 acres of grounds, Woodmansterne's Little Oaks Farm offers pupils a unique opportunity to connect with nature through hands-on experiences. ‘For years, we have embraced outdoor learning as a key part of our curriculum,’ explains the school leadership team. ‘These experiences inspire curiosity, resilience and a deep responsibility towards the natural world.’
At the heart of Woodmansterne's approach is Little Oaks Farm, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. Here, every child participates in animal care - from mucking out the pig pen and grooming goats to feeding the rabbits and guinea pigs. These daily tasks foster empathy, teamwork and respect for living creatures. Children learn the importance of routine, responsibility and the rewards that come from nurturing the animals in their care.
Beyond animal husbandry, the farm-to-fork philosophy thrives as pupils tend crops in the allotment area, ensuring their animals receive fresh, nutritious food. This sustainable approach helps children understand natural cycles, food production and the effort required to cultivate food sources, creating meaningful connections to what they learn in science and geography.
The outdoor learning experience extends further with outdoor cooking sessions where children master fire-building skills and prepare simple meals in the great outdoors. These experiences link to key curriculum areas such as science, design technology and nutrition while also allowing children to embrace the joy of shared experiences around a campfire. Meanwhile, orienteering activities with compasses and maps develop navigation skills, problem-solving abilities and confidence in exploring natural environments.
How do these experiences sit alongside a more traditional approach?
What makes Woodmansterne's approach particularly special is its integration into the weekly curriculum. Each class documents their outdoor journey in an Outdoor Learning Floorbook, capturing experiences, reflections and achievements beyond the classroom walls. These visual records celebrate the hands-on learning that takes place in nature's classroom.
What does the future hold for Little Oaks Farm?
As part of its ongoing commitment to Little Oaks, the school is continually exploring new elements that can be introduced thoughtfully, ensuring the farm evolves while maintaining a strong connection to the curriculum. This dedication is shared by the wider school community, where children, staff and the PTA enthusiastically support and sustain this exceptional resource. Through initiatives such as cake sales, school discos, animal adoption opportunities and fetes, they ensure that Little Oaks Farm continues to thrive and provide meaningful experiences for all pupils.
Alex Russell, BET CEO, commented: ‘Woodmansterne Primary School perfectly reflects our Trust's commitment to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond traditional academics. Their creative use of outdoor space offers rich, hands-on learning experiences that support the development of the whole child. By connecting classroom concepts with real-life experiences at Little Oaks Farm, pupils gain a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the world around them.’
With its unique approach to outdoor education, Woodmansterne Primary demonstrates how embracing nature as a classroom can transform learning, build essential life skills and create memories that last long after the school day ends.
Learn more about Woodmansterne Primary School here
