A PRIMARY school has won an award for its teaching outside the classroom.

Riverley Primary School, in Park Road, Leyton, is the London winner of the Government's Learning Outside the Classroom Award.

Judges said the school “offers innovative and exciting” trips.

Ragini Hildreth, Riverley assistant headteacher, said: “Each child goes on at least one educational visit per term as well as experiencing regular learning outside the classroom activities within the school grounds and in the local community.

“The children get taken on educational visits to a huge variety of organisations; from fire stations and zoos, to city farms and theatres.

“When studying the Victorian era our Year 4 students visited the Ragged School Museum, where they were able to experience a real-life Victorian school lesson for themselves, including sitting on long benches and being taught a very” strict version of the three Rs.”

Mrs Hildreth said the school also takes children to an allotment and rooftop garden for lessons.

The school's pupils have also been taken to Kew Gardens, the London Aquarium and Colchester Castle Museum.

Diana Johnson, schools minister, said: “The great work at Riverley Primary School shows how learning outside the classroom can excite and stimulate young people, enhance their development and give them wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

“Learning beyond the classroom should be an integral part of every child's education and personal development, and the efforts of Riverley Primary School should inspire other schools to find out how they can get their pupils out and about to reap the benefits."

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