Opal (Outdoor Play and learning)

At our school, we believe that play is not just a fun activity, it is a fundamental part of a child’s learning journey. That’s why we are proud to embrace OPAL play, an award-winning program that transforms our playgrounds into vibrant spaces for exploration, imagination, and development.

Discover OPAL: Enhancing Play and Learning Outdoors

We launched OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) at our school in 2023! This 18-24 month programme is designed to significantly enrich our children’s development through play, focusing on areas such as physical activity, socialisation, co-operation, coordination, resilience, creativity, imagination, and overall enjoyment. Stay tuned for updates as we progress on this exciting journey!

What is the OPAL Programme?

The OPAL approach is a well-established and impactful way to transform playtime. Developed over 17 years and tested in over 250 schools across the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, OPAL is now expanding into Europe. In fact, it was recognised as the best active school’s programme in Europe, winning first prize in a 2018 EU-funded award.

The core principle behind OPAL is that children learn not only through formal lessons but also through their play. Given that approximately 20% of a child’s time at school is spent in play – the equivalent of 1.4 years of their primary education – we are committed to making this time as beneficial and engaging as possible through the OPAL framework.

Why are we following the OPAL programme?

One reason we are carrying out this programme is that childhood has changed and many children no longer get their play need met out of school.

Average screen time per day 5 hours

Average outdoor play time per week 5 hours

Percentage of UK children who only play outdoor with other children at school 56%

There are many proven benefits for schools which carry out the OPAL Programme. They usually include: more enjoyment of school, less teaching time lost to disputes between children, less accidents and greatly improved behaviour.

More information

You will be able to learn all about OPAL and watch several videos about the programme on the OPAL website: https://outdoorplayandlearning.org.uk/

“Pupils enjoy learning and are keen to take part in lessons.”

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“Pupils feel safe in school and in their local community.”

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“Pupils behave well. They are respectful to adults and to each other.”

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“Teachers develop children’s phonics knowledge quickly.”

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“Pupils are very tolerant and accepting of difference.”

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“Teachers have high expectations of them in lessons and at playtimes.”

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“Teachers are highly perceptive to pupils’ needs.”

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“Stoneferry Primary School is a caring community where pupils do well.”

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“Pupils enjoy mathematics’ lessons and can talk about what they know.”

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“Learning to read starts straight away.”

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