• Curriculum plans – by subject
    • Art and Design
    • Computing
    • History
    • Design and Technology
    • English
    • Geography
    • Languages
    • Mathematics
    • Music
    • Physical Education
    • Relationships and Health Education
    • Religious Education
    • Science

St Thomas More RC Primary School

Thorndale Road, Belmont, Durham. DH1 2AQ

St Thomas More logo
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our School Vision Statement and Aims
    • Safeguarding
    • Equalities
    • Meet The Staff
    • Our Local Governing Committee
    • School Performance
    • Premium Allocations
    • Financial Information
    • School Policies
    • School Admissions
    • School Brochure
    • OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning
    • Vacancies
  • Our Curriculum
    • National Curriculum
    • Reading and Phonics
    • Curriculum Overview
    • Statements for each curriculum subject
    • Curriculum plans – by subject
    • Curriculum plans – by class
    • Inclusive curriculum
  • Parents
    • Our School Uniform
    • School Dinner Menu
    • School Office
    • Childcare Provision
    • Online Safety
    • School Holidays
    • School Newsletters 2020-21
    • Useful Links
  • Pupils
    • School Clubs
    • School Council
  • Our Classes
    • Donaldson Class
    • Dahl Class
    • Rowling Class
  • SEND
    • SEND Information Report
    • Teaching, Learning and the Curriculum
    • Finance
    • SEN Provision
      • Statement of Intent for Supporting Equality
      • Pastoral, Medical and Social Support
      • How do we consult with our SEN pupils
      • Additional help
    • SEN Transition
    • Agencies and Partnerships
    • Contact SENCO
    • Compliments, Complaints & Feedback
    • SEND Feedback
    • Key Policies
  • Community
    • Friends of the School
  • Contact Us
Home / About Us / OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning

OPAL – Outdoor Play and Learning

opal-logos

Research has shown that children spend 20% of their time in school playing. To ensure that this time and our fantastic school grounds are used to their full potential our school has adopted an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) philosophy that allows the children freedom to explore play in their own imaginative ways, often using found and gathered resources in the natural outdoor environment.

An OPAL approach promotes a more inclusive play environment in which all children can feel comfortable to express themselves. Our OPAL journey began in Spring 2019 and quickly we are transforming our outdoor environment.

OPAL offers an exciting alternative to the standard playground activities. Through this approach to play children are not only more active at lunch or break times, but they are also having the opportunity to further develop life skills such as cooperation, team work and problem solving. They are becoming motivated and enthusiastic builders, engineers, explorers and designers.

Click here to go to the OPAL website and find out more.

Play Policy 2019

Latest News

Welcome Back!

Happy New Year

Carols around the Crib

The Nativity Party

Consultation on Admission Arrangements for St Thomas More Primary School – 2019-20

Youth Friday – Be a Goody Wear a Hoodie!

Welcome Liturgy

Read more news...]

The Local Offer
Healthy School
School achievement award

Copyright © 2022 St Thomas More RC Primary School

Thorndale Road

Belmont

Durham

DH1 2AQ

Tel 0191 386 4761 · Email stthomasmore@durhamlearning.net


Legal Information | Website Login

Powered by Durham County Council.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more