Stories From Across our Trust
Learning Beyond Walls: Embracing the Outdoors to Inspire Pupils
Across our Trust, we recognise the vital role that outdoor learning plays in supporting children’s wellbeing, curiosity, and all-round development. By bringing lessons beyond the classroom walls, our schools foster a deep connection with nature, encourage teamwork, resilience, and creativity, and create memorable, hands-on experiences that inspire lifelong learning. Here’s a snapshot of how some of our schools are embracing the outdoors to enrich education and nurture happy, confident learners.
Saltergate Schools Celebrate Launch of Forest School
Pupils Explore and Excel During Fieldwork Fortnight
The final two weeks of June saw Oatlands Junior School buzzing with excitement as pupils took part in Fieldwork Fortnight, a celebration of geography and outdoor learning. All year groups enjoyed a range of hands-on activities, including an on-site orienteering challenge that saw Oatlands Junior School place 4th nationally in the Outdoor Classroom’s Big League. Year 3 explored local land use and historical change, while Year 4 studied physical geography at Crimple Beck. The fortnight was a huge success, with pupils embracing the opportunity to learn through adventure and exploration. Orienteering certificates were awarded in Celebration Assembly to mark their achievements.
Outdoor Classroom Days a Huge Hit at Rossett Acre Primary
Rossett Acre Primary School introduced Outdoor Classroom Days this year, giving all pupils the chance to enjoy learning in the fresh air. Separate days were held for EYFS & KS1 and for KS2, supporting children’s health, wellbeing and development, and enhancing the school’s well-established Forest School provision. Activities ranged from EYFS potion-making to Year 6 macrophotography, with highlights including Year 4’s digestive system workshop with Dr Hinkins and Year 5’s African animal art made from natural materials. Children also enjoyed exploring the school’s new orienteering course. Staff and pupils alike loved the experience, with many children calling it “the best day ever!”
Temple Learning Academy awarded National Nature Grant
Bespoke Orienteering Resource at Rossett Acre Primary School
Rossett Acre Primary School has enhanced its outdoor learning provision with the introduction of a new orienteering and cross-curricular resource from Enrich Education. The bespoke infrastructure now in place across the school grounds supports active, outdoor learning for all pupils from EYFS to Year 6. The investment is helping to develop key skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience and map reading through regular, physically active lessons across a range of subjects. Teaching Assistants are also using the resource to support learning in phonics and maths, and the new activities have been met with huge enthusiasm from pupils and staff alike.
WOW Animal Experience Delights Meadowfield Nursery Pupils
At Meadowfield Primary School, creating WOW moments is key to making learning meaningful and memorable, and their Nursery children recently enjoyed one they won’t forget! As part of their current topic, the children had the exciting opportunity to meet and interact with real-life farm animals. From holding fluffy chicks to gently stroking lambs, the experience was filled with wonder. The children learnt how to handle the animals with care and compassion, explored how to meet their basic needs, and even investigated the different types of lamb wool and its many uses, from clothing to crafts. The visit brought the classroom to life, sparking curiosity, laughter and a deep sense of empathy. With beaming smiles and wide eyes, it was a magical, hands-on learning experience that will stay with them for a long time.
Status Quo Drummer Jeff Rich Rocks Templenewsam Halton
Templenewsam Halton Primary School was treated to an unforgettable musical experience when Jeff Rich, former drummer of legendary rock band Status Quo, visited to deliver a drumming performance and workshop. Children were captivated by Jeff’s incredible skills, passion, and storytelling as he took them on a journey through the history of drumming, from ancient times to modern-day bands. Pupils took part in interactive demonstrations, culminating in a high-energy grand finale with the whole school playing alongside Jeff using drums, tambourines and shakers. It was a truly inspiring day that may just have sparked the next generation of drummers!
Rossett School and Harrogate Town AFC to Launch Joint Football Academy
Oatlands Junior School Triumphs at Panathlon Event
Whitkirk Pupils Go on ‘Artful Adventures’ at Temple Newsam House
Whitkirk Primary School recently partnered with Temple Newsam House to deliver Artful Adventures, a creative arts project designed for all Key Stage 2 pupils. Each class spent time exploring the historic house and taking part in hands-on art workshops inspired by its rich heritage. From printing Tudor wallpaper patterns to sketching architectural features, the project brought the school’s art curriculum to life just a short walk from school. To celebrate the children’s creativity, families were invited to a special event at Temple Newsam, followed by an Exhibition Weekend where pupils' work was proudly displayed inside the house, showcasing the powerful connection between learning, creativity, and community.
Expanding Physics Education Through Ogden Trust Partnership
Richard Sykes, Trust Subject Lead for Science and teacher at Harrogate Grammar School, leads the partnership between our Alliance and The Ogden Trust, a charity dedicated to increasing the number of students studying Physics at A level and beyond. With 50 schools involved, this is the second-largest partnership in the Trust’s history. Over the next five years, the Ogden Trust will provide vital financial support and CPD opportunities, strengthening Physics teaching and learning across the Alliance.
Temple Learning Academy Awarded Prestigious Primary Science Quality Mark
Temple Learning Academy has been awarded the prestigious Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM), recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to science leadership, curriculum development, and high-quality teaching and learning. The school joins 136 others across the UK and internationally in receiving the award this month. The PSQM, led by the University of Hertfordshire, is a yearlong professional development programme that supports schools to embed excellent science provision and raise the profile of science within the curriculum. The award reflects Temple Learning Academy’s vision to empower all pupils through science, building confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking skills to help them understand and shape the world around them. Read more
Austhorpe Primary School are proud to have been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) for a second time, celebrating a commitment to developing excellence in science leadership, curriculum design and teaching and learning.
Red Kite Teacher Training Celebrates 180 New Teachers
Last week, Red Kite Teacher Training marked a major milestone as nearly 180 trainee teachers were recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), officially launching their careers in education. The celebration, held at Harrogate Grammar School, brought together trainees, mentors and school leaders to reflect on a year of hard work, growth and achievement. It was a joyful and emotional occasion, marking the transition of the 2025 cohort into Early Career Teachers (ECTs). The event also featured inspiring words from school leaders, including Neil Renton (Harrogate Grammar School) and Hannah McNamara (Coppice Valley Primary School), as well as reflections from trainees who praised the support of their Early Career Leads and the University of Leeds.
As these new teachers step into classrooms across the region and beyond, they take with them the skills, values and confidence built through Red Kite Teacher Training's school-centred approach, ready to inspire the next generation.