Gold LOtC Mark awarded for outstanding commitment to learning outside the classroom

Drapers’ Maylands Primary School is awarded Gold LOtC Mark for their outstanding commitment to learning outside the classroom.

Drapers’ Maylands Primary School has received national recognition for its outstanding commitment to learning outside the classroom (LOtC), earning the prestigious Gold LOtC Mark from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

This is the second consecutive time the school has achieved this honour, following its first award in 2023. Drapers’ Maylands remains the only school in Havering and one of just six in the whole of Greater London to hold the Gold LOtC Mark. Nationally, only one school in Essex and just 55 schools across the entire UK have earned this accolade - out of more than 30,000 schools nationwide.

“Being awarded the Gold LOtC Mark for the second time is a wonderful achievement and we're thrilled to continue to be recognised for the learning experiences we offer at Drapers’ Maylands Primary School. Learning Beyond the Classroom is an essential part of our 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.” Ms Trudy Spillane, Executive Principal

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.

“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.” Dr Anne Hunt, Chief Executive of CLOtC

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.

For more information about the LOtC Mark, please visit www.lotc.org.uk

To meet the principal and book a personal tour of Drapers’ Maylands Primary School please contact the school office.