Pam Lowry

Outdoor Learning

Killylea Primary School Small School...BIG Opportunities!

Killylea Primary School is a small rural co-educational primary school 5 miles outside Armagh. It has 80 pupils.

Pam Lowry is the Principal and also teaches Foundation class. Pam, as a keen gardener, has always been an advocate for outdoor play and outdoor learning. As the school has extensive grounds she explored the provision for outdoor learning and in this clip she tells how outdoor learning has now become an important aspect to school life in Killylea Primary School.

Key learning

  • Whole school support

  • Start small

  • Benefits to physical and emotional health

  • High levels of pupil engagement

Points to consider when thinking about developing outdoor learning:

  • Clothing: – wellies and outdoor trousers

  • Resources: – gather up loose parts/ natural resources

  • Creativity: how can I do outside what I normally do inside?

  • HAVE A GO!


Further resources and advice for engaging learners