Learning Outside the Classroom is the use of places other than the classroom for teaching and learning. It is about getting pupils out and about, providing them with challenging, exciting and different experiences to help them learn.
Learning Outside the Classroom is encouraged by senior staff at The Kassia Academy.
There are lots of benefits our garden therapy at Kassia Academy has on our learners. Our learners have the opportunity to sow, grow and harvest their own fruit, herbs and vegetables.
Being able to grow your own food is linked with many health and wellness benefits:
The Kassia academy is part of the Merseyside EBD League which is made up of 15 schools competing in a league format at KS3 (years 7, 8, 9) and KS4 (years 10, 11). Each team plays their opponents once in a tournament type format once a month. The top 4 teams from each season will then play in a knock out semi-final with the winners meeting in the grand final.
This is a great chance for our children to work as a team and develop their leadership and communication skills as well as building their resilience that can then be transferred into everyday life.
The Kassia Academy has a partnership with Salford Sailing Group. Here, our learners have the opportunity to learn fantastic new skills and build confidence all of which help in their everyday lives inside and outside the classroom.
Salford Sailing Group is always a fantastic experience for our learners. Here they have the opportunity to do some raft building, rowing and sailing. Being out on the water helps with our learners anxiety because of the calmness of the water swooshing, splashing of water and the rhythmic movement of the boat and the sound of the wind in the sails can all affect brainwave patterns. This relaxes and soothes a busy and highly stressed-out mind.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award, is also delivered at The Kassia Academy.
Accent Music and Noise Academy aims to ensure every child aged 5 -18 has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument (other than the voice) through whole class ensemble teaching programmes.
They aim to empower individuals and equip them with the necessary tools and skills required to progress further within the music industry or to simply enjoy a sense of success; this will improve self-confidence which will, in turn, further engage students, driving academic progress and attainment.
As part of our personal development programme across the school we have a Boxing Coach from Phoenix Fire who comes in twice a week to work with our learners.
Boxing has many is a great way to deal with stress and anxiety. In addition to reducing stress levels and promoting wellbeing, physical activity releases endorphins. In addition, it requires focus and concentration, which can help take the mind off other stressors. Furthermore, boxing can boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
Forest School is a child-centered inspirational learning process, that offers opportunities for holistic growth through regular sessions. It is a long-term program that supports play, exploration and supported risk taking. It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.
There are many forms of outdoor education and all have enormous value, however, Forest School is unique in its reach, delivery and effect.
There are some key principles which underpin Forest Schools. These are:
Commando Joe’s provides early intervention for those young people disengaged with their education, alongside pupils who excel academically, specialising in behaviour management, growth-mindset development and life skills education. It promotes team building, communication and leadership skills which are key ingredients for our learners to take into the world once they have left The Kassia Academy.
Animal Therapy at The Kassia takes place at Moss Croft Farm.
Our learners spend time with a variety of animals carrying out set tasks to support with their mental health. Whether, it’s spending time feeding the new piglets, grooming and brushing the three donkeys, to making sure the chickens have enough food.
These animals provide so much comfort to our learners which leads to many benefits in the mind and body, such as reduced stress as well as an overall more balanced mental emotional state.
There are many other benefits to Animal Therapy and it has also been proven to:
