A Suffolk school is moving its lessons outside to encourage its students to get creative and try new activities that cannot be done in a classroom. 

Helmingham Primary School will soon be changing to an outdoor-based curriculum. 

Students will have the opportunity to spend four days, May 22 to 25, taking part in activities they would not usually get to do in school, such as cooking on an outdoor fire, making a den, pond dipping, as well as taking part in photography and sculpture workshops. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Helmingham Primary School in Stowmarket launches a week of outdoor lessons, Helmingham Primary SchoolHelmingham Primary School in Stowmarket launches a week of outdoor lessons, Helmingham Primary School (Image: Helmingham Primary School)

Stephanie Hawes, the headmaster of Helmingham Primary School, said: "We teach our school curriculum through an increased focus on outdoor learning throughout the year, and we know that the outdoor and natural environment significantly contributes to good mental health and wellbeing as well as helping pupils regulate their emotions. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Helmingham Primary School in Stowmarket launches a week of outdoor lessons, Helmingham Primary SchoolHelmingham Primary School in Stowmarket launches a week of outdoor lessons, Helmingham Primary School (Image: Helmingham Primary School)

"Our pupils focus on developing their whole selves through personal and creative development and community engagement; working collaboratively and developing a deep sense of place of where they work and live and curiosity about the world around them. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Stephanie Hawes, the school headmaster, Helmingham Primary SchoolStephanie Hawes, the school headmaster, Helmingham Primary School (Image: Helmingham Primary School)

"We promote resilience and support the pupils to try new activities that are purposeful and with built in supported risk taking, such as; archery, den building and pioneering, natural art and craft, orienteering, fire and food forest school sessions." 

The outdoor lessons will be delivered on the school grounds and the neighbouring woodlands, where pupils will take part in practical outdoor activities and be able to let go of their imagination and creativity. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Helmingham Primary School in Stowmarket launches a week of outdoor lessons, Helmingham Primary SchoolHelmingham Primary School in Stowmarket launches a week of outdoor lessons, Helmingham Primary School (Image: Helmingham Primary School)

The week is part of our wider commitment to making Helmingham the flagship outdoor learning school in the Consortium Trust.  

From September, all pupils will have weekly opportunities for forest school sessions, led by qualified and experienced forest school practitioners, as well as will grow their fruits and vegetables in a new purpose-built pavillion.

East Anglian Daily Times: Helmingham Primary School poster, Helmingham Primary SchoolHelmingham Primary School poster, Helmingham Primary School (Image: Helmingham Primary School)