The Learning Walk

A Learning Walk can be an excellent way for governors to engage children in conversation to discover their thoughts and opinions about their school environment as well as how successfully it challenges and inspires them in their learning.

The questions are not all followed by the word ‘why?’. However, governors will be looking for more than single word responses, so will want to enquire appropriately about reasons and examples with regard to the answers given.

Four key areas in the school are focused on in the presentation– the outside environment, a spiritual /quiet garden, prayer stations and interactive displays that support the teaching of Christian values.

A short PowerPoint presentation can be downloaded here, with key questions and photographed examples of the type of installations that could be visited and discussed during a learning walk.

Below is an abbreviated version of the PowerPoint:

THE OUTSIDE ENVIRONMENT

Where in the school grounds do you most like to go at break or lunchtime?

Which is your favourite outside space and why?

Which is your least favourite outside space and why?

Where would you go of you wanted to be quiet or pray?

If you had a problem at break or lunchtime, where would you go and who would you talk to?

Take me to your favourite parts of the school. On the way, tell me why you enjoy these places.

A SPIRITUAL OR QUIET GARDEN

Why does your school have this garden?

What makes this place special?

How is the garden used by different children and adults?

What would you miss if your school did not have a spiritual garden?

THE INSIDE ENVIRONMENT

Do you think it is a good idea to have prayer stations like this one around the school?

How would you use this prayer station?

Do you think this prayer station helps people to talk to God?

Explain to me how you use ‘windows, mirrors & doors’ in your learning.

SUPPORTING CHRISTIAN VALUES

Tell me about your school’s Christian values.

How does this display / learning wall help you to understand and celebrate your value this term?

How could this display / learning wall be even better?

Can you remember anything that has been put up in your school in the past that you found particularly helpful in learning more about Christian values?