DUCK Pupils Embrace the Great Outdoors with ‘CAMP DUCKS’

In April, our school was transformed into Camp DUCKS as part of our Stunning Start to this term’s new theme, The Great Outdoors.

As children arrived, they were greeted by our enthusiastic Camp DUCKS guides and given their very own “access all areas” sticker before spotting the tents set up across the Eller Bank field. The excitement was clear from the very start.

The day began with a whole‑school outdoor assembly to officially open Camp DUCKS. Children shared what they love most about being outdoors and joined together in singing a house song that set a joyful tone for the day. Each year group then took part in a range of outdoor activities, including archery lessons, nature themed art, and even learning to play the ukulele while singing around the campfire. At lunchtime, the whole school enjoyed a picnic outside, and the huge smiles everywhere made it clear that Camp DUCKS was a big hit.

This Stunning Start is part of our Creative Curriculum at DUCKS and is designed to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for the term ahead. Our diverse curriculum will be closely linked to our new topic, giving children meaningful, real-world contexts for their learning.

Research shows that when children are genuinely interested in what they are learning, they are more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to remember new ideas.

Studies in educational psychology also highlight that curiosity helps children focus more deeply and learn more effectively, which in turn supports stronger long-term achievement. By launching our new theme with such an immersive outdoor experience, we are not only creating wonderful memories but also laying the foundations for deeper learning throughout the term.

Camp DUCKS has already sparked excitement and we can’t wait to see where this enthusiasm takes us next.