OPAL: Outdoor Play and Learning
We are excited to announce the introduction of a new outdoor play and learning program to the Federation, called OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning).
OPAL is designed to encourage creativity, physical activity, and outdoor exploration, providing children with the opportunity to engage in child-led, unstructured play in a natural environment.
Through OPAL, children will develop vital social and emotional skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and discover the benefits of outdoor learning. We believe this program will greatly support our learners’ development, offering them a more enriching play experience.
This short video will give you more insight into OPAL:
What happens in Crew?
Creating a Safe Space:
Crew provides a safe environment where students can express their ideas, views, and concerns, allowing for open dialogue and reflection.
Teamwork and Belonging:
The structure emphasises teamwork, creating a sense of family and belonging. Students see themselves as part of a team, both supporting and holding each other accountable.
Reflection and Support:
Crew encourages regular reflection on actions, behaviors, and learning. This reflection is coupled with peer support, allowing students to help one another grow.
Addressing Concerns:
Crew sessions are used to discuss worries and concerns, whether related to personal matters, the community, or broader world issues such as news events.
Celebration and Accountability:
Students are encouraged to share their successes, and Crew provides a space for mutual accountability, ensuring everyone contributes positively to the group.
Recognising Roles:
Crew helps students recognise their roles not only in the classroom but also in their school, community, and even on a global scale.
Practical Elements:
Regular activities include discussions on worries or local news, reminders about key dates, reflection on learning, and pupil voice consultations. There is also a focus on key books, equipment, and the habit of working hard, reflecting well, and taking responsibility
Creating a Safe Space:
Crew provides a safe environment where students can express their ideas, views, and concerns, allowing for open dialogue and reflection.
Teamwork and Belonging:
The structure emphasises teamwork, creating a sense of family and belonging. Students see themselves as part of a team, both supporting and holding each other accountable.
Reflection and Support:
Crew encourages regular reflection on actions, behaviors, and learning. This reflection is coupled with peer support, allowing students to help one another grow.
Addressing Concerns:
Crew sessions are used to discuss worries and concerns, whether related to personal matters, the community, or broader world issues such as news events.
Celebration and Accountability:
Students are encouraged to share their successes, and Crew provides a space for mutual accountability, ensuring everyone contributes positively to the group.
Recognising Roles:
Crew helps students recognise their roles not only in the classroom but also in their school, community, and even on a global scale.
Practical Elements:
Regular activities include discussions on worries or local news, reminders about key dates, reflection on learning, and pupil voice consultations. There is also a focus on key books, equipment, and the habit of working hard, reflecting well, and taking responsibility
Who belongs to a Crew?
Every child belongs to a Crew.
Every adult belongs to a Crew. Crew is a family where everybody belongs, everybody has a voice and everybody can express themselves.