OPAL – Outdoor Play & Learning
Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) brings significant benefits to our school community by transforming playtimes into richer, more imaginative experiences. Through OPAL, children develop vital life skills such as teamwork, problem solving, creativity and resilience, all while enjoying active outdoor play in all seasons. The approach encourages pupils to engage with a variety of materials and spaces, helping them build confidence, independence and social skills. OPAL also supports wellbeing by giving children opportunities to explore, take manageable risks and build positive relationships. Overall, OPAL enhances happiness, behaviour and readiness to learn, making play a powerful part of every school day.
At Bankfields Primary, we have 10 different zones for the children to explore and enjoy:
- Hill Zone
- Wheels Zone
- Small World and Arts and Crafts Zone
- Drama and Role Play Zone
- The Sandpit / Social Hut / Loose Parts Zone
- Balance and Movement Zone
- Throwing and Catching Zone
- Ball Games Zone
- Climbing Wall / Swingball Tennis Zone
- Den Building / Willow Maze / Mud Kitchen Zone
