Drapers’ Maylands Primary School receives national recognition for commitment to learning outside the classroom.

Well done to Harold Hill Primary school, Drapers’ Maylands, who have received national recognition for its commitment to taking learning outside the classroom (LOTC). The school has been awarded the Gold LOTC Mark by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.
Drapers’ Maylands Primary School are the only school in Havering and are 1 of 4 schools
in the whole of London to achieve this. There are only 2 in Essex and only 28 in the whole of
the UK who have achieved this award. The UK has over 20,000 schools.
Ms Trudy Spillane, Principal at Drapers’ Maylands Primary School said: “Learning Beyond
the Classroom is an essential part of children’s educational experience. It helps to develop a
knowledge and understanding of the world around them and of themselves, preparing our
young people with positive attitudes and healthy habits for a successful future. Being
awarded the Gold LOtC Mark is a fantastic achievement and we’re thrilled to get official
recognition for our efforts.”
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. Their work supports
educators, schools and organisations who are dedicated to ensuring more children and
young people have opportunities for lifechanging learning experiences beyond the
classroom, whether these happen 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.
Dr Anne Hunt, Chief Executive of CLOtC said: “Learning outside the classroom has many
proven educational benefits as well as providing some of the most memorable experiences
in a child’s school life. Achieving the Gold LOtC Mark demonstrates that Drapers’ Maylands
Primary School is committed to developing and delivering genuinely valuable learning
outside the classroom experiences for their children and young people and I
congratulate them on achieving this award.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom is an integral part of life at Drapers’ Maylands Primary,
furthering and enhancing the learning journey for all pupils. The school believes that
experience-based learning supports pupils in a number of ways, developing their knowledge
and experiences in a way that classroom-based learning is not able to. The Early Years
Foundation Stage places a strong emphasis on the importance of out of the classroom
learning experiences.
Teachers and children have access to a stimulating and varied outdoor learning environment
within the school grounds and the local area. Drapers’ Maylands Primary School is located a
short walk from the local Nature Reserve. Forest School sessions take place in The Manor
woodland and Duck Wood. On the school grounds there are outdoor classrooms, school
ducks, an orchard, a quiet garden, vegetable beds, an enchanted wood library, a technology
zone, themed group rooms and outdoor play equipment. Accessing these unique facilities as
part of everyday learning enhances and enriches the children’s learning experience.

Support Local Journalism
We at The Havering Daily appreciate your support of quality journalism. Your generous donation, no matter the size, allows us to continue bringing unbiased and informative news to the community. Your contribution helps us maintain our independence and allows us to continue providing high-quality journalism. Thank you for valuing the work we do and for supporting our mission

Thank you

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.