Enhancing Mathematical Learning Whilst Out and About in Guernsey

Guernsey is a glorious place to bring up a family, and making the most of the great outdoors has become a priority for many Guernsey families, especially post-lockdown. Whether the sun is shining and you're enjoying a day on Pembroke, it's blowing a westerly at Vazon, or you're wrapped up for a winter walk to the Fairy Ring at Pleinmont, there are many activities you could try out to support your primary school age child's mathematical learning.

What's the point of outdoor learning?

There has been a significant move in Guernsey primary schools to really embrace all that learning outdoors has to offer, highlighted in the Bailiwick of Guernsey 'Big Picture' Curriculum as a key feature of learning up to Year 9. Benefits include physical activity, improved concentration, enhanced creativity, hands-on learning, better social skills, and appreciation for the environment. Our Guernsey maths tutors are always open to students carrying out their online lessons in their garden, weather permitting!

Ideas to try

Saumarez Park Nature Scavenger Hunt – create a list of natural items for children to find, estimate length and weight before measuring, and count items in different categories.

Moulin Huet Bay – use the outdoors to explore length, weight, and capacity with measuring tape, scales, buckets or containers.

Candie Museum or Art for Guernsey Gallery – explore shape, or take a walk to find natural objects representing circles, triangles and squares, exploring symmetry and tessellation.

Number Plate games – as Guernsey plates only have numbers, there are lots of games for the car or bus, from number plate bingo to finding the highest digit total, to number plate poker!

Budgeting and financial responsibility – giving children a budget for a sleepover or party is a fun way to develop financial independence.

Beach trips – choosing a beach based on wind direction, finding the best time using tide tables, or rockpooling to classify and record findings at spots like Portelet and the Lihou Island causeway.

Have we convinced you?

Even something as simple as reciting times tables while climbing the Harbour Steps in St Peter Port can add educational benefit to a trip out. If you are not quite ready to incorporate maths learning into your family's outdoor activities, one of our Guernsey maths tutors can help your child to optimise their potential in maths.