St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham takes learning outdoors
At St Joseph’s Primary School, Wingham, the joy of learning has moved beyond the classroom walls. This term, students from Kindergarten to Year 2 are discovering the power of play through a new outdoor play-based learning initiative.
Following a recent professional learning day for early years teachers, the St Joseph’s K-2 team proposed introducing dedicated outdoor play sessions. With strong support from Principal Melissa Hunt, the program launched this term and has already made a remarkable impact.
Responding to the needs of children
The idea grew from insights in the latest Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), which highlighted the need for more opportunities for children to develop key life skills – social competence, language and communication, emotional maturity and physical wellbeing.
Neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis recently shared that “the longer children spend in a free play, child-led curriculum under the age of seven, the less statistical chance they’ll develop anxiety and depression as teenagers.” In a world where outdoor play has declined by 50% since the 1980s, St Joseph’s teachers were inspired to take action.
Play with purpose
Every fortnight, all K-2 students now gather outdoors for sessions that blend fun, agency and learning. Five creative outdoor ‘provocations’ encourage exploration and imagination – construction with blocks and cardboard boxes, outdoor mud kitchen, creative dress ups, bubble making, painting and investigating the natural environment.
To further encourage students to take risks and be creative, the children brought in old clothes and sneakers to ensure they are comfortable and free to get dirty. The activities connect naturally to the curriculum – particularly in building oral language and communication skills outlined in the new NSW English syllabus.
Teachers have noticed how quickly children’s curiosity takes over:
“We can make a washing machine!”
“You need to wet your hands with bubbles stuff to be able to catch it”
“Do you want to make a car? We can share.”
“This is the best day ever!”
While the children lead the play, teachers step back to observe and listen. Back in the classroom, students reflect on their experiences through discussion and documentation – turning play into deep, meaningful learning.
Year 1 teacher, Belinda Bridgeman, described the sessions as ‘heart-warming,’ adding that “providing opportunities to engage with the curriculum outdoors enhances learning in the classroom. The children were happy, collaborating, and already planning their next play adventure.”
Principal Melissa Hunt said the initiative reflects the school’s belief in the importance of play in the early years.
“At St Joseph’s Wingham, we deeply value the role of play-based learning in the early years of education. This term, our Infants team introduced a wonderful initiative that gave our Kindergarten to Year 2 students the opportunity to engage in thoughtfully planned outdoor learning experiences.
The impact has been truly heartwarming. Watching our young learners immerse themselves in nature, building relationships, exploring their environment, engaging in rich conversations, and simply experiencing the joy of learning through play, has been a highlight of our year. These moments not only support their academic development but also nurture their social, emotional, and spiritual growth.”
The science of play
Research supports what St Joseph’s teachers see every day: play is learning. Dr Joshua D. Feder explains that forming new neural pathways can take up to 400 repetitions, but with play, it can take as few as 10 to 20. As education expert Pasi Sahlberg reminds us, “The importance of play for children cannot be overemphasised – play is learning! Serious, deep, rich learning!”
Early learning across the Diocese
This initiative aligns with the Catholic Schools Early Learning Policy, which promotes play as a powerful form of pedagogy in the early years.
Education Officer – Early Learning, Bridie Stanger, commended the St Joseph’s K–2 team – Belinda Bridgeman, Cathy Wheeler, Carolyn Long, Mark Knoke and Principal Melissa Hunt – for championing the value of play.
“We look forward to seeing these children continue to collaborate, learn and thrive while they play outdoors and still meet curriculum requirements and needs of the children in their school community,” Ms Stanger said.
At St Joseph’s Wingham, learning looks a lot like laughter, imagination and fun – and that’s exactly how it should be.
