Ardleigh Explorers

Ardleigh Explorers

Ardleigh Explorers is our school’s unique, spiritually enriched version of Forest School. Its purpose is to help children grow in confidence, curiosity, compassion, and connection both with the natural world and with one another while grounding these experiences in the Christian ethos of our school. All children upto Year 6 access Ardleigh explorers outdoor learning on a weekly basis. Our beautiful school grounds is home to Ardleigh Explorers.

Nature is a Gift from God

We teach children that creation is something to be enjoyed, appreciated, and cared for, echoing the biblical idea from Genesis 2:15 that God invites us to “work and take care” of the earth. Through hands-on exploration weather play, minibeast hunts, seed planting, observation; children learn that nature is precious and purposeful.

Outdoor Learning Builds Confidence and Joy

Being outdoors helps children develop resilience, independence, and imagination. Through new challenges, sensory exploration, and playful discovery, pupils grow not only in skill but in their sense of themselves as capable, valued individuals.
This reflects the Christian belief that every child is wonderfully made and able to flourish.

Compassion is Central

Each year group returns to the theme of compassion—for creation, for others, for living things, and for themselves.
Children learn that kindness is something you do, something you notice, and something that changes the world around you.
Bible verses and reflection times help children link everyday moments of kindness with the teachings of Jesus.

Stillness, Wonder, and Reflection Matter

Ardleigh Explorers deliberately builds in moments of quiet awe:

• listening to forest sounds

• noticing beauty in tiny details

• reflecting on what we are thankful for

• ending sessions with a blessing, prayer, or calm circle
  
  

These practices help children develop spiritual awareness—recognising moments of peace, gratitude, or awe as part of their relationship with God.

Community Grows in the Outdoors

Outdoor learning naturally encourages teamwork, cooperation, and friendship.
Activities—such as collaborative shelter building, nature art, and trust challenges—strengthen pupils’ ability to listen, support others, solve problems, and celebrate each other’s gifts.
This mirrors the Christian teaching that we are a community called to “love one another” and build each other up.

Creativity Reflects God’s Creativity

Whether making mandalas, leaf crowns, nature hearts, or creation collages, children discover that their creativity is part of God’s creativity in the world.
They learn to notice beauty, create beauty, and value the beauty others create.