All children from Year 1 to Year 6 visit the Ashdown Forest once every half-term. The children learn about the Ashdown Forest: which animals live in the Forest from mini-beasts to mammals, the variety of habitats found in the Forest and how plants and animals have adapted to these, how and why the Forest is managed and what makes it a special, protected landscape. This gives the opportunities for team building and developing sensory awareness. 

In most of the sessions the children walk at least 3 miles and have become more resilient in being in the outdoors for longer periods in all weather. 

Key Stage 1 focus on sensory activities, developing their observation skills, periods of free play and exploration of their environment. Key Stage 2 have specific environmental art days, story making inspired by the outdoors and have spent whole days walking in the forest, helping with conservation work. 

The learning days also cover learning in History, Geography, Design, Science and PSHE.

John Muir Awards

Years 5 & 6 work towards gaining the nationally recognised John Muir Award at the end of the academic year. The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme and engagement initiative for children and young people from all backgrounds, it aims to encourage children to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places. 

The award supports an approach in which the environment is not seen in isolation or as an add on, but an essential component at the heart of outdoor experiences, of adventure, of learning, of creativity and of wellbeing.

We believe that children's learning is enriched and enhanced by a variety of educational visits and visitors to the school throughout their time at Dormansland Primary.

We endeavour to provide a wide-range of activities and experiences that both broaden and deepen the children's understanding of our exciting curriculum.

In Years 4, 5 and 6 children are given the opportunity to go on a residential trip. Not only do these trips offer the chance to participate in a variety of amazing outdoor and adventurous activities, they also develop the teamwork skills of cooperation, problem solving, sharing, respecting and helping each other.

Currently we offer:

• Year 4 trip to Hidleap Warren 
• Year 5 trip to Kent Life/Chatham Docks
• Year 6 trip to Windmill Hill

At Dormansland we are committed to offering a range of extra-curricular clubs.  Places at school clubs are booked on a termly basis. Parents are notified about which clubs are running each term. 

We work with a range of external providers who offer sporting activities such as football, basketball, tag rugby and gymnastics. We also have providers who offer clubs such as drama, dance, yoga & cookery.  School staff also run clubs which may include Lego club, art club, netball, dodgeball and many more.  

Most of the clubs take place after school, although a small number may take place before school or at lunchtime.  

Costs of the clubs vary depending on the provider and prices are listed on the timetable which is sent to families before the clubs become available for booking.  The prices will also be visible when booking.