This week we hear from Yanwath Primary School’s Olivia Ripley, who update us on the adaptations that have been made to school life, by parents, pupils and staff alike, at another of our region’s establishments.

Sitting amid the rural beauty of the Eden Valley and with the Lake District on its doorstep – there’s no surprise the great outdoors plays a key part in learning at Yanwath Primary School.

The school offers a unique, inclusive and inspiring curriculum where pupils can discover the joy of learning through four key areas: languages, the arts, reading and specialist outdoor provision.

The village school’s rural location is fundamental in the development of the curriculum. It provides children with a safe but stimulating setting where they can grow in confidence to question, explore and learn through investigation.

Pupils have the chance to take part in forest school activities where they learn about their environment, develop and care for nature, build dens and experience the outdoors - in all kinds of weather. Activities are tailored for each year group, ranging from fell walking and orienteering, to swimming and sailing on the local lakes.

Yanwath supports its pupils and families by offering wrap around provision which involves before and after school care. This is also centred around the school’s key areas and changes to suit the needs and interests of pupils whilst also drawing on the expertise of staff. Some of the clubs offered include French, art/craft, dance and drama, music, sports and gardening.

The school provides a structured approach to learning, following the National Curriculum for its 160-plus pupils. But it also aims to instil fundamental values - such as respect, responsibility and resilience - that will provide a strong foundation for the rest of their lives.

Yanwath’s curriculum is matched to the needs of the pupils and their future aspirations. The school has also developed and adapted it to provide opportunities for a rich variety of experiences through which children’s skills, abilities and attitudes can grow.

Teachers enhance the curriculum to ensure that every pupil is motivated, inspired and challenged.

In addition to the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, children at Yanwath undertake French, History, Geography, Music, Religious Studies, Art, Drama, P.E. and Outdoor Education.

Covid restrictions have limited showing off the school to prospective parents, but Yanwath landed itself something of a viral hit for its homemade virtual tour. Youngsters from the school were the stars of the show as they led a guided visit which has so far been viewed more than 4,000 times.

Headteacher Cate Floyd said: “This seemed the perfect way to let people know what the school is about. We’re thrilled it’s been so well received.”

As schools prepare to move back to face-to-face learning, the staff at Yanwath are creating a curriculum for the summer term that focuses on using the outdoor provision to deliver learning.