Robin Wood

Our Woodland

Sited just behind the school grounds and comprising just over two acres, Robin Wood allows our learners unique opportunities to delve practically into our enquiry-based curriculum.

The carefully managed woodland has been reclaimed over the last decade or so from mainly derelict allotment land to use as an engaging resource for a wide variety of curriculum areas; different areas reflect contrasting uses dependent on need.

How is it used?

Each class uses the woodland for a foundation subject curriculum module which can range from science to history to outdoor activity topics at some point during the year. Robin Wood acts as much more than this though: the stimuli it provides gives pupils a chance to use it on a more regular basis to give depth to current learning as and when staff see fit. There will not be a week goes by without one class or another visiting the wood to take part in an activity.

Birthplace of a global legend?

One of the most significant elements to our woodland learning is that of its position in terms of the legend of Robin Hood. The first written reference to the birthplace of the world-renowned folk figure comes from a document written in 1637 that refers to a ‘Little Haggas Croft’ in Loxley ‘wherein is ye foundacion of an house or Cottage where Robin Hoode was borne.’ We believe, as other scholars are beginning to as well, that an untouched corner of dense holly thickets in our woodland is this once lost location.

Our learners become familiar with this and other evidence in a special unit of study looking at the myths and truths of Robin Hood before being carefully asked to weigh up their own conclusions based on the available historical evidence. Recent media interest has also brought new insight and organisations into partnership with the school, leading to a community-wide focus for all who are connected to Loxley Primary School to actively develop the study of what we term ‘The Riddle of Robin of Loxley’.