Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC)
More than lessons: a journey of experiences.
Learning Beyond our Classrooms
At St Julian’s, we want children to look back on their primary years and remember not only what they learned, but what they did, where they went, who they met and how they grew.
Our enrichment journey brings together the experiences and opportunities that sit alongside our academic curriculum.
Some happen within school, while others take us out into our local community and beyond. Some are planned specifically for a particular year group, while others develop and grow in response to children’s interests and opportunities that arise.
Together, they create a rich journey through primary school.
To learn about how our Christian Vision and Values underpins everything we do for Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC), please see our Enrichment Overview page.
From Wellow to the Wider World
Our journey begins with children’s own experiences, interests and community and gradually opens their eyes to the wider world.
ME → MY SCHOOL → MY COMMUNITY → MY COUNTRY → MY WORLD
We want children to develop a strong sense of who they are and where they belong, while also becoming increasingly curious about people, places, cultures and ideas beyond their immediate experience.
MY PLACE
Wellow, local history, village community, local environment
MY HERITAGE
Museums, history, churches, traditions, British culture
OTHER WORLDS
Different countries, languages, religions, cultures and perspectives
MY RESPONSIBILITY
Environment, community, citizenship, democracy, helping others
MY FUTURE
Careers, aspirations, leadership, independence, life skills
A Journey That Belongs to Every Child
Not every child’s journey will look exactly the same and that’s part of what makes it special.
We aim to provide a broad and inclusive range of opportunities, ensuring that children encounter experiences that challenge them, excite them, broaden their horizons and help them discover something new about themselves.
By the time they leave St Julian’s, we hope every child can look back and say:
“I discovered something new. I achieved something I didn’t think I could. I experienced things I will remember. I made a difference. I grew.”
The Trips, Visitors and Experiences
While some trips, visitors and experiences are planned as part of our 2 year cycle, we also value the opportunity to respond to current events, emerging interests and the children’s own curiosities. This means that our programme remains flexible and relevant, allowing us to introduce experiences that reflect the world around us and capture the interests of our children.
Reception (Oak Class) – Discovering our World
Our youngest children begin to explore their school, village and local environment.
They have opportunities to:
- discover the natural world around them
- explore our local community
- experience music, art, drama and performance
- develop independence and confidence
- celebrate special occasions and traditions
- begin to take responsibility for themselves and others
At the beginning of the year, Oak Class typically explore their immediate and local surroundings, building confidence as they become familiar with their environment. Throughout the year, they take part in whole-school trips and experiences, before ending the year with a class trip linked to their current learning.
Key Stage 1 (Chestnut Class) – Developing Confidence
As children become more independent, we broaden their experiences and introduce them to new places, people, ideas and activities.
Children experience opportunities such as:
- educational visits and local walks
- museums, heritage and cultural experiences
- sporting and physical challenges
- music and performance
- visitors and workshops
- community and charitable activities
- opportunities to develop new interests and skills
Throughout their two years in Chestnut Class, children enjoy a range of trips and experiences that bring their wider curriculum learning to life. These are often linked to Geography, History, Science and RE, alongside many other areas of the curriculum. In recent years, children have also had the opportunity to attend the Bath Literature Festival, nurturing their love of reading.
Lower Key Stage 2 (Beech Class) – Exploring Further
Children begin to look beyond their immediate surroundings and take on greater challenges.
Their experiences include opportunities to:
- explore places beyond our local community
- learn about different cultures and perspectives
- experience live performance and the arts
- develop outdoor and practical skills through short residentials and adventurous experiences
- meet people from different walks of life
- participate in competitions and events
- take on greater responsibility within school
Throughout their two years in Beech Class, children enjoy a range of trips and experiences that bring their wider curriculum learning to life. These are often linked to Geography, History, Science and RE, alongside many other areas of the curriculum. In recent years, children have also had the opportunity to attend the Bath Literature Festival, enriching their love of reading and developing their appreciation of literature. Towards the end of the year, children work alongside Sycamore Class on a Summer Production. They also enjoy a class sleepover at school, providing an exciting introduction to residential experiences and helping to build their independence and confidence, before Year 4 children take the next step with a short weekend residential.
Upper Key Stage 2 (Sycamore Class) – Preparing for the Wider World
As children approach the end of their primary journey, our enrichment offer encourages them to become increasingly independent, confident and outward-looking.
Children have opportunities to:
- take part in residential and adventurous experiences
- represent and lead within school
- develop leadership and teamwork
- experience new challenges outside their comfort zone
- explore aspirations and future possibilities
- contribute to the wider community
- reflect on their own strengths and achievements
- prepare for the next stage of their education
Throughout their two years in Sycamore Class, children enjoy a wide range of trips and experiences that bring their wider curriculum learning to life. These are often linked to PSHE, Geography, History, Science and RE, alongside many other areas of the curriculum. As they become our oldest children, they are given increasing opportunities to develop independence, leadership and confidence. These include working with local schools, taking part in an adventurous activity day in Year 5, completing a week long residential in Year 6 and participating in Bikeability. They also take a leading role in the Summer Production, giving them the opportunity to work together, develop their skills and celebrate their achievements with the wider school community.
Whole School – Growing Together
Alongside the experiences children enjoy at each stage of their journey, we provide opportunities for our whole school community to learn, celebrate and grow together.
These shared experiences help children to develop a strong sense of belonging, build relationships across the school and understand their role within our wider community.
Across the year, children have opportunities to:
- come together to celebrate special occasions, traditions and achievements
- learn from and support children of different ages
- take part in whole-school events, performances and celebrations
- contribute to charitable and community activities
- enjoy shared sporting, creative and cultural experiences
- welcome visitors and learn from people with different experiences and perspectives
Across the school, children enjoy a range of shared trips and experiences that bring our curriculum and wider learning to life. Each year, the whole school enjoys a visit to the theatre, providing opportunities to experience live performance and develop an appreciation of the arts. Throughout the year, themed weeks and special festivals and celebrations bring the whole school community together.
We also make the most of opportunities to take our learning beyond the classroom, with whole school curriculum-linked visits to places such as We The Curious and local places of worship. These shared experiences help children to make connections between their learning and the wider world, while creating memorable experiences that they can enjoy and learn from together.
