Learning is brought to life through practical experiences beyond the classroom. Throughout the academic year, pupils take part in a wide range of visits and activities that deepen understanding and enrich learning.
We are passionate about outdoor learning, and this begins with our very own onsite Forest School.
Children from Nursery to Year 2 enjoy weekly Forest School sessions, where learning is child led and rooted in exploration. Whether making fires, toasting marshmallows, crafting in the tool area, building moats, experimenting in the mud kitchen, or tackling obstacle challenges, pupils develop confidence, resilience, creativity, and independence in a natural setting.
In Prep, pupils continue to benefit from Forest School as part of their enrichment carousel throughout the year, building teamwork, problem solving skills, and a deeper connection with the environment.
Outdoor learning extends beyond Forest School. Art lessons are often taken outside to explore natural materials and inspiration from the surrounding environment. In Pre Prep, the outdoor classroom is timetabled for purposeful learning through play, allowing children to develop their skills in an engaging and open setting.
Alongside these experiences, pupils take part in a wide range of educational visits. Some are close to home, including visits within Ripley itself, while others take pupils further afield to historical sites, museums, and London based opportunities.
Pupils in Upper Court explore locations such as Haslemere Museum, Battle Abbey, Rochester Cathedral and Castle, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, and Butts Hill Farm. Outdoor activities, including paddling and kayaking at Southwater, further develop confidence and teamwork.
Younger pupils also enjoy memorable experiences. Reception children welcome visits from the local fire service, Year 1 visit Brooklands Museum, and a travelling petting zoo and planetarium regularly bring immersive learning directly to school.
Throughout the year, visiting authors and historical specialists, such as Portals to the Past, enhance classroom learning through engaging, hands on experiences.
Art scholars benefit from cultural visits to London galleries, while Art classes visit RHS Wisley Gardens for creative inspiration.
From Year 3 to Year 6, pupils take part in annual residential trips, building independence and resilience. These include activity based stays closer to home as well as international opportunities, with Year 6 visiting France.
Our partnership with Reed’s School further extends opportunity. Pupils access specialist facilities including the FutureTech building for design and technology experiences such as coding and rocket launching. Collaborative musical opportunities have also seen our Prep choir perform alongside Reed’s pupils at Cadogan Hall in London.
Together, these experiences ensure learning is not confined to the classroom, but explored, tested, and brought vividly to life.
