OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) at Sir Martin Frobisher Academy

Inspiring Learning Through Play

At Sir Martin Frobisher Academy, we are proud to provide high-quality outdoor play through our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme. We believe that play is a vital part of every child’s development and should be valued as highly as academic learning.

OPAL enables us to create rich, engaging, and meaningful play opportunities for all pupils, ensuring every child experiences the joy, freedom, and benefits of outdoor play every day.

What is OPAL?

OPAL is an award-winning school improvement programme that supports schools in developing high-quality play opportunities for children. It focuses on improving physical activity, social interaction, creativity, and well-being through carefully planned and resourced play experiences.  

Children spend a significant portion of their school day in play, and OPAL ensures this time is purposeful, inclusive, and enriching.  

Our Approach to Play

Through OPAL, we provide:

  • A wide range of play opportunities using natural and man-made resources
  • A balance of challenge and safety, helping children learn to manage risk
  • Inclusive play spaces where all children can succeed and feel valued

We recognise that play is not just recreation – it is a powerful way for children to learn essential life skills.

The Benefits of OPAL

High-quality outdoor play has a significant impact on children’s development. Research shows that OPAL supports:

  • Improved behaviour and reduced playtime incidents
  • Increased physical activity for all children
  • Better mental health and well-being
  • Stronger social and emotional skills
  • Greater creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving

Children in OPAL schools are often happier, more engaged, and more ready to learn in the classroom.  

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Our outdoor environment is carefully designed to inspire exploration and curiosity. Pupils may:

  • Build, create, and construct using a variety of materials
  • Engage in imaginative and role play
  • Explore nature and the changing seasons
  • Develop teamwork and communication skills

Through these experiences, children develop resilience, independence, and confidence in a natural and meaningful way.

For more information on OPAL, please click here to visit their website.

Forest School at Sir Martin Frobisher Academy

Learning in Nature

Forest School is a key part of our outdoor learning provision. It offers children regular opportunities to learn in a natural environment, where they can explore, take risks, and develop practical skills.

Forest School is child-led, hands-on, and focused on developing the whole child – socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.

Our Forest School Programme

At Sir Martin Frobisher Academy, Forest School is carefully planned to support progression across all year groups:

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Children are introduced to outdoor exploration through sensory play, storytelling, and simple activities such as den building and nature hunts. The focus is on developing confidence, communication, and curiosity.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2)
Pupils begin to develop independence and practical skills. Activities may include:

  • Exploring habitats and seasonal changes
  • Simple tool use under supervision
  • Building structures and engaging in imaginative play

These experiences support early scientific understanding and teamwork.

Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3-4)
Children build on their skills through more structured challenges, such as:

  • Shelter building and problem-solving tasks
  • Learning about ecosystems and environmental responsibility
  • Developing resilience through managed risk-taking

Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5-6)
Pupils take on greater responsibility and leadership. Activities may include:

  • Advanced problem-solving and teamwork challenges
  • Bushcraft skills such as fire lighting (where appropriate and supervised)
  • Environmental projects and outdoor investigations

These experiences help prepare pupils for secondary school by building confidence, independence, and leadership skills.

The Benefits of Forest School

Forest School provides unique opportunities that cannot be replicated in the classroom. It supports:

  • Confidence and self-esteem through child-led exploration
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Physical development and coordination
  • Emotional well-being and resilience
  • A deeper connection with nature and the environment

Outdoor, play-based learning also encourages collaboration, creativity, and risk management – skills that are essential for lifelong learning.  

A Year-Round Experience

Forest School takes place throughout the year in all seasons. Children learn to adapt to different weather conditions, building resilience and an appreciation for the natural world.

We encourage children to embrace outdoor learning – whatever the weather – ensuring they are appropriately dressed and prepared.

Our Vision

At Sir Martin Frobisher Academy, OPAL and Forest School are central to our commitment to developing the whole child. By combining high-quality play with meaningful outdoor learning, we ensure that every pupil:

  • Feels happy, safe, and valued
  • Develops confidence and independence
  • Builds essential life skills
  • Enjoys a rich and memorable primary school experience

We believe that children learn best when they are active, engaged, and inspired. Our outdoor provision reflects this vision every day.