A LEYTON primary school has been shortlisted for a national award recognising its achievements in learning outside the classrom.

Riverley Primary School, in Park Road, Leyton, stands to win a Learning Outside the Classroom Award for Excellence and Innovation.

Assistant head teacher Ragini Hildreth, who put the school forward for the award, said: “We went for the award because we involve all our children in regular trips out.

“It could be local visits, like Brook Farm or the Score Centre, as well as trips further afield.”

She added that the trips will fit in with topics the children are studying such as a trip to the Ragged School Museum for children learning about the Victorians.

Mrs Hildreth said: “The museum has staff who dress in Victorian costume so the children get the feel of being there.”

She added that children are asked to evaluate the school trips and have said they enjoy being able to learn in different ways.

She said: “They can see and feel and experience things and benefit from them.

“They get the opportunity to go to places they wouldn't normally go.”

The awards will be presented in December at the national Learning Outside the Classroom Annual Conference at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

A total of 28 schools were shortlisted for nine regional awards and winners will be chosen by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

The Council was launched in April 2009 and aims to champion alternative ways of learning.