Following the launch of the Department for Education's 'My activity passport' for children aged under 11 last year, a special school in Southport has created its own version titled ‘40 things to do before leaving Merefield’.
My activity passport contains a list of activities presented per year group, from reception to Year 6.
Merefield School, which educates learners aged two to 19 and recently attained an outstanding Ofsted inspection, has created its own list of experiences in order to support outdoor learning and character building among pupils.
Merefield is eager to promote outdoor learning because of benefits including:
- opportunities to learn about the natural world
- fostering appreciation for the environment
- improved mental and physical well-being, and development of motor skills
- improved sleep patterns for pupils
ASDAN has worked with Merefield to turn the school’s activities into free, downloadable Adventurer and Explorer Award booklets. The resources can be used by educators and parents of learners with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
Designed to provide meaningful experiences that support children’s physical, social and emotional development, the activities include:
- climbing a tree
- building a den
- jumping in puddles
- planting and growing your own fruit and vegetables
- using a map
The Adventurer and Explorer booklets contain different challenges to ensure all learners can access the activities. Each completed activity should be dated on the booklet, and can include a photo and signature from a witness.
Jo Sharpe, Assistant Headteacher at Merefield School, said: “Children should be curious about the world and people around them. The challenges encourage children to see and do things they may not normally do. This develops character from taking on challenges and pursuing interests and by doing things that aren’t always easy. These activities help introduce new experiences that could end up becoming a personal interest or hobby for the young person.”
Simon Lawrence, Head of Business Development and Communications at ASDAN, said: “We are delighted to work with Merefield to create these free booklets that any special school and learner can benefit from. At ASDAN, we are passionate about supporting character development, as well as physical, social and emotional development.
“Schools wishing to continue character development activities can register to deliver ASDAN’s Lifeskills Challenge programme, an online bank of more than 1,000 flexible and engaging challenges starting at pre-Entry level.”
Lifeskills Challenge includes topics on:
- physical education
- sport and leisure
- PSHE
- citizenship
You can read more about the course by visiting the Lifeskills Challenge website or by getting in touch with ASDAN.